Andorra's Espot Defends Record, Unveils Rent Aid and Wage Hikes in Final Debate

Head of Government Xavier Espot delivered a nearly three-hour opening speech at the Consell General's final political orientation debate on Thursday, marking his last such address after eight years in office. He defended Demòcrates-led governments' achievements since 2011, framing 2026 challenges as growth-related rather than recessionary, while announcing rental subsidies and minimum wage hikes amid heated exchanges that turned pre-electoral.

Espot highlighted housing progress, including €143 million invested for 259 new or underway units, 224 acquired or leased, and over 500 public affordable homes targeted by term's end. He noted 226 protected housing adjudications so far, backed by an €88 million surplus avoiding new debt, plus 28 first-home purchase grants covering interest payments and €21.6 million (expandable to €35 million) for 150 more units. Anti-fraud efforts since 2022 processed 132 complaints, opened 35 investigations, imposed €190,000 in 2024 fines, and restored 1,530 properties to residential use through measures like habitability exceptions (466), 0% economic contributions (45), unfinished works (62), tourist flats (363), and vacant units (114). A rental registry tracks 5,510 contracts at €13.90 per square metre on average, with foreign property investment down 99% and over 30 first-home grants approved.

He unveiled an "ambitious" rental aid scheme via the Housing department for households spending over 30% of income on rent, targeting contracts from 2022 onward and middle-class families to curb inflation. Criteria remain under review. Espot pledged a minimum wage increase this July—amount to be set by next week at latest, following another by year-end toward 60% of average salaries. The current €1,525 monthly rate reflects a 45% rise since 2019, outpacing European inflation.

Population growth eased to 1.9% after cutting quotas to 800 (an 11% reduction), halving self-employment and passive residencies, refining family reunification, and piloting 450 Latin American hotel workers in July. He opposed origin-based foreign investment curbs, favouring activity-focused regulation.

On the EU association agreement, Espot outlined the roadmap: signature post-EU Council finalisation, European Parliament vote, referendum with information campaign, and Consell General ratification if approved. By late July, the government will approve referendum regulations and budget credits, stressing "this agreement or none," with no renegotiation possible. He dismissed critics like Concòrdia as ignorant or tactical.

Abortion remains stalled without Episcopal Co-Prince and Vatican approval. Espot prioritised institutional stability, noting two reports sent to Rome for decriminalisation review—still unanswered amid papal transition from Francis to Leo XIV. Housing Minister Conxita Marsol discussed a two-year private affordable rental incentives law with communes on Tuesday, offering 10% construction grants, three-to-six-month rent guarantees, Renova priority, corporate tax exemptions, 0% IGI on builds, and ITP waivers. Communes committed tax relief, 0% contributions, relaxed rules, and potential extra floors. La Massana's Eva Sansa praised collaboration; Andorra la Vella's Sergi González called for overlap checks.

Opposition critiques intensified Friday. Concòrdia's Cerni Escalé decried triumphalism amid service strains—three-month traumatology waits, traffic queues, pollution, housing costs—and rejected the worker pilot, while confirming a solo electoral run and committing to the EU referendum post-Macron's remarks. Partit Socialdemòcrata's Susanna Vela called abortion advances a "joke," faulted absent evaluations, and highlighted unbuilt projects like the National Museum. Andorra Endavant's Carine Montaner termed the record "disastrous," citing insecurity, drugs, prostitution, healthcare delays, and housing shortages; she plans burqa/burkini ban legislation for security.

Espot hit back, accusing Concòrdia and Andorra Endavant of lacking a "country project," structured programme, or governing readiness—labelling Escalé unprepared despite intellect—and embracing "national priority" extremes. He urged clarity on abortion versus co-principality. Vela drew partial agreement on crises' impacts. Demòcrates' Jordi Jordana defended growth measures, housing gains, and aid. Ciutadans Compromesos' Carles Naudi backed tech diversification, EU ties, and investor attraction, faulting opposition for division.

Debate tensions highlighted pre-election rifts, with scant consensus.