Escaldes-Engordany Mayor Pledges Heightened Security for Festa Major After Encamp Fights

Escaldes-Engordany's Festa Major wrapped up successfully despite opening-night clashes, as Major Consellera Rosa Gili called for joint institutional analysis to prevent future disturbances.

Gili made the remarks on Sunday, after incidents on the festival's first night forced an early suspension two hours ahead of schedule. She advocated for all institutions to convene and examine underlying causes, such as educational gaps, value deficits, or complex social issues. "We may need to sit down together and talk about it, try to understand what is concerning," Gili said, committing the commune to any resulting working group.

The clashes reignited debate over security arrangements for major events. Responding to Interior and Justice Minister Ester Molné's comments attributing some responsibility to communes, Gili defended Escaldes-Engordany's response. She highlighted reinforced traffic agent patrols, close police coordination, and Unió Pro-Turisme involvement, while noting that managing problematic crowds falls primarily to Interior and police. "No need to create controversies where none exist," Gili added, emphasising inter-administration collaboration.

Despite the disruption—and a subsequent hailstorm—Gili described the overall event positively, citing high attendance, a good atmosphere, and smooth completion of the programme. "It was a great Festa Major with lots of participation," she concluded.

The incidents followed earlier brawls at Encamp's festival, prompting Gili to push initially for body cameras on traffic agents and full resource deployment to protect victims. Escaldes-Engordany authorities had intensified police presence, traffic controls, and volunteer checks for weapons during their event, which began Wednesday.

Gili also reiterated calls to review traffic agents' crisis roles and equipment, lamenting Encamp's fights as regrettable outliers that should not damage Andorra's image for safe, family events. In Sant Julià de Lòria, where the Festa Major started Thursday, Cònsol Major Cerni Cairat confirmed sufficient security, including patrols at crowded spots like Plaça de la Germandat. No rental contract disputes with the national government had advanced, Gili noted, favouring dialogue over conflict.