Andorra Sues Escaldes-Engordany Council for Withholding Rental Data

The Andorran government has launched legal proceedings against Escaldes-Engordany parish council for failing to provide data on rental contracts, Minister for the Presidency, Economy, Labour and Housing Conxita Marsol announced during the Political Orientation Debate at the General Council.

Marsol stated that the parish has repeatedly claimed it lacks the information, despite three years of requests and legal obligations under recent laws, including those governing the unfreezing process. "We have been forced to initiate judicial action against Escaldes-Engordany parish council," she said, adding that all other parishes are complying by submitting data to the SICAR rental contract information system.

The announcement came while debating a resolution from Andorra Endavant calling for digitalisation of rental contracts and automated housing aid based on verified needs. The proposal was rejected, but Marsol highlighted the existing SICAR tracking system and suggested a broader resolution requiring all parishes to contribute data. She defended ongoing verification processes before aid payments, noting the government's commitment to further automation.

According to sources, the government has already engaged a law firm to prepare the case, starting with a formal demand and escalating to court if ignored. Marsol expressed frustration over the parish's stance, describing it as ongoing incidents that cannot continue.

Social Democrat councillor Pere Baró criticised the Andorra Endavant proposal as based on a "presumption of fraud" against aid recipients, arguing against widespread distrust. Authorities have not detailed the exact timeline or nature of the judicial actions beyond initial preparations.