Andorran PM Espot Dismisses EU Deal Protest as Futile Before Signing

Andorran Head of Government Xavier Espot has described a planned protest against the EU association agreement as a "brindis al sol"—a futile gesture that will not derail next Monday's signing or prompt an earlier referendum.

Speaking on Thursday, Espot addressed the demonstration called by Ciutadana Andorrana via a Change.org petition under the banner "Prou de decidir per nosaltres: volem votar l’acord d’associació." He emphasised that while citizens may protest on any issue, they must submit a formal application identifying organisers by name, as such events entail legal rights and responsibilities. No such request had been received as of his comments.

Espot made clear that even if the protest occurs before the signing, it would change nothing. "Govern té molt clar quins són els seus compromisos," he said, underscoring his administration's firm commitments. He dismissed pressure from an anonymous platform or opposition figures, specifically accusing Concòrdia leader Cerni Escalé of seeking to "desgastar el Govern" and noting Carine Montaner of Andorra Endavant as a long-time critic of the deal.

The government, Espot recalled, secured an absolute majority after campaigning on this issue nearly four years ago. He rejected calls to hold the referendum beforehand, warning it would waste resources and risk polarisation only for the European Parliament to potentially reject the agreement shortly after. Instead, the vote will follow European ratification. If timing or weather prevents a proper campaign—particularly with elections approaching—the next government can handle it, he added.

"Hi poden haver tantes manifestacions com vulguin i s’hi poden apuntar tants líders de l’oposició com vulguin, que nosaltres tenim molt clar que dilluns hem d’anar a signar aquest Acord," Espot concluded.

Authorities have provided no further updates on the protest's approval or anticipated participation.