Andorra's Progressistes-SDP skips 2027 candidacy for broad transversal alliance

Progressistes-SDP, the social democratic party chaired by former head of government Jaume Bartumeu, has decided against running its own candidates in the 2027 general elections. The party instead seeks to build a broad political alliance that revives the consensus-driven spirit of Andorra's 1993 constitutional era.

The national council, the party's top decision-making body, unanimously backed this strategy during its meeting on Saturday. Bartumeu presented the framework document Andorra 2040: A New Social Contract for a New National Project, alongside party president Josep Roig. The text, which addresses current issues including the EU Association Agreement, will be released publicly within 15 days after final refinements, in the second half of September.

Bartumeu framed the elections as the conclusion of Demòcrates' 16-year rule, urging a shift beyond mere changes in party labels toward a fresh political phase. He stressed that the decision does not mean withdrawing from political debate or alternative-building efforts. Instead, it calls for wide-ranging regrouping across the spectrum, avoiding continuity of DA policies or an untested opposition like Concòrdia.

Roig described Andorra 2040 as a forward-looking vision rather than an election programme, centred on ten key pledges. These cover curbing housing speculation, enhancing workplace rights and middle-class support, safeguarding CASS for future generations, improving healthcare, bolstering security, promoting sustainable land management, diversifying the economy, modernising institutions within constitutional bounds, and protecting rights.

Both leaders highlighted public disillusionment with personality-led, party-centric politics, advocating open dialogue from all sectors. Bartumeu noted summer discussions with diverse figures to shape a transversal platform rooted in national priorities. Roig added that Andorra requires renewed consensus-building without forsaking principles: "We don't need a more divided Andorra. We need one capable of finding itself."