Andorra's PM Espot Bids Farewell at AINA Centre, Urges Rejecting Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric

Andorra's outgoing prime minister, Xavier Espot Zamora, bid farewell to the iconic AINA children's centre during its traditional summer lunch, calling on the country to reject rhetoric that disparages differences or newcomers.

The event gathered 96 children aged 7 to 11, 48 aged 11 to 14, and 28 monitors. As preparations buzzed inside—with announcements urging participants to set the tables—Espot addressed the group outdoors. Introducing himself lightheartedly as "Xavi Espot Zamora, you already know me," he marked the occasion as likely his last official visit, provided a parliamentary majority forms after upcoming elections. "For the good of the country, we hope so," he added.

Espot urged those present to oppose "discourses that tend to belittle differences and people who emigrate to our home." He cited the centre's founder, mossèn Ramon, who came from Bellcaire d'Urgell, asking: "What would have happened if we hadn't welcomed him? AINA wouldn't exist." Echoing the priest's words, he called it "the house of all of you," adding it would remain so for him too. Espot plans to return as an ordinary citizen, joking that he wouldn't miss the children "because I'll keep coming to visit you, even if as a regular citizen."

Earlier, the children sang about AINA's history and met with government officials. Espot praised the centre's foundational role in leisure, education, and inclusion, recalling its welcoming origins under mossèn Ramon. He also highlighted Ukrainian children who recently vacationed in Andorra through the 'Vacances amb Pau' programme, noting "there are children who wake up every morning to the sound of bombs."

With his seven-year tenure ending, Espot described AINA as a key institution and hoped not to return officially in a year, as that would signal no government majority.