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Andorra Union Notifies Ministry of Anti-EU Deal Protest Rally

Union leader Joan Torra alerted authorities to a Monday evening rally in Andorra's main square, urging a public vote on the EU association pact amid broad political support and prior petition momentum.

Key Points

  • Joan Torra of USdA submitted formal notice for Oct 19 gathering in Plaça del Consell General.
  • Event demands referendum on EU association agreement, backed by Change.org petition.
  • Supported by parties like Concòrdia, Andorra Endavant; meets 8-day notice amid short timeline.
  • Government likely to approve despite tight schedule, with risk assessments ongoing.

Joan Torra, acting first secretary and treasurer of Unió Sindical d'Andorra (USdA), has formally notified the Interior Ministry of a planned citizens' gathering calling for a referendum on Andorra's association agreement with the European Union.

The mobilisation, initially promoted anonymously via a Change.org petition titled "Prou de decidir per nosaltres: volem votar l'Acord d'Associació" (No more deciding for us: we want to vote on the Association Agreement), is scheduled for Monday, 19 October, at 7pm in Plaça del Consell General. USdA was the first organisation to publicly back the event, followed by political groups including Concòrdia, Andorra Endavant, Agrupament Encampadà, and Som Veïns.

Torra signed and submitted the request on Wednesday afternoon, addressing earlier concerns raised by government spokesman Guillem Casal. Casal had noted during a Council of Ministers press conference that no prior notification had been received, as required by public security law. The legislation mandates at least eight working days' notice, or two days for extraordinary circumstances. Organisers announced the filing on social media shortly afterwards, with Andorra Endavant leader Carine Montaner welcoming the step and reaffirming support.

The request has also been forwarded to the Consell General, given the plaza's location under legislative oversight. Sources indicate authorities are likely to approve it, prioritising the right to demonstrate despite the short notice—known for weeks that the EU deal would be signed on Monday. Risk assessments and coordination with police are underway, though formal authorisation may not come until the day itself. Minor adjustments to timing or venue remain possible to avoid disruptions.

Torra, who has backed previous petitions alongside the late Gabriel Ubach, including on housing, positioned USdA's role as providing legal cover for the "no" bloc without initially claiming ownership of the initiative. The administration views itself as duly informed, aiming to accommodate the request.

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