Andorran Housing Union Plans Protests for December 8 Amid Housing Crisis

The Andorran Housing Union is preparing to resume protests in the Principality, targeting December 8 during the Puríssima holiday as a potential date for heightened action amid the ongoing housing crisis.

Union spokesperson Isabella Vargas issued the warning on Thursday at a housing rights rally in Plaça dels Oms, La Seu d'Urgell, organised by Pirineu Viu. More than 100 people attended the peaceful gathering, which lasted just over an hour with minimal police presence and no incidents. Participants included representatives from the Andorran Housing Union, its Alt Urgell counterpart, the Pallars Housing Union, the Catalan Housing Trade Union Confederation (COSHAC), Pirineu Viu, and the Tenants' Union.

Vargas stated that demonstrations like this one are fuelling new mobilisations across the Principality. "You can expect mobilisations to start very soon," she said before the event began. She did not rule out more forceful actions on December 8, a day of high tourist traffic, describing it as a "very significant date" that could, in effect, impact the country. The union draws momentum from protests in Spain, despite Andorra's distinct political calendar.

Vargas criticised policies in the Principality, citing 2023 remarks by Head of Government Xavier Espot promoting cross-border workers as evidence that leaders foresaw the crisis spilling over. She called La Seu d'Urgell the "eighth parish of Andorra," arguing that speculative investments in tourist and luxury homes have driven up rents, displacing people linked to Andorra into neighbouring areas. "Everything that happens in Andorra has consequences here in the Pyrenees," she said, noting the loss of social networks and daily life for those affected. "Speculative capital knows no borders."

Chants included calls for a general strike, demands for water, electricity, and shelter, and accusations against profiteers and governments. A minute of silence honoured Mari Carmen, who died the previous day and has become a symbol of the housing rights movement.

Pirineu Viu spokesperson Arnau Corberó highlighted Andorra's dynamic economy pushing gentrification into Alt Urgell, akin to patterns in Barcelona or London. He warned of pressure spreading like "coronas" to other municipalities as demand and investors seek new opportunities. The groups advocate ending evictions, stabilising rents, limiting tourist lets, and expanding public housing to rural zones.

Corberó stressed the need for continuous mobilisation ahead of a general housing strike on November 11, with the Andorran union signalling street actions before year's end. "The Pyrenees are not a backdrop—we are people and villages with the right to stay," their manifesto declared.