Andorra Opposition Demands BPA Financial Data After Government Blocks Access

Andorra's opposition Social Democratic Party (PS) has formally requested the General Syndic's support to access Banca Privada d'Andorra (BPA) financial statements and results from 2014 to 2025, after the Finance Ministry relayed AREB's refusal citing confidentiality rules.

The PS submitted the appeal on Wednesday following a government response that echoed the State Agency for the Resolution of Banking Entities (AREB)'s position. AREB, which has managed BPA since its intervention and liquidation, deems the requested data reserved under secrecy obligations in applicable regulations.

PS lawmakers argue this stance conflicts with amendments to the General Council's rules, which entitle councillors to such information for parliamentary oversight. They contend the denial effectively blocks scrutiny of public bodies' actions in the BPA case.

The opposition views the government's approach as overly restrictive, insisting that transparency, accountability, and parliamentary control must be genuine and effective. They recall pressing this issue during AREB legislation debates, where proposals to balance secrecy with oversight were rejected by the majority.

PS president and parliamentary substitute Pere Baró has accused the executive of repeated opacity, placing itself above parliamentary authority and public interest. He highlighted that updated council regulations should ensure access, potentially with confidentiality safeguards.

The party maintains BPA, under AREB supervision, warrants treatment akin to a public entity for oversight purposes. AREB has not responded to the Syndic appeal.

This escalation underscores ongoing tensions over BPA's resolution, with the PS seeking a Sindicatura ruling on whether the refusal violates councillors' control rights.