Canillo Consul Warns Affordable Housing Bill Encroaches on Parish Powers

Jordi Alcobé, Canillo's first consul, has voiced concerns that the government's affordable housing bill may encroach on parish competencies, joining doubts raised by Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, and Sant Julià de Lòria. Speaking on Wednesday, he called for adjustments to the legislation's wording through parliamentary amendments during its processing.

Alcobé acknowledged that no consensus exists among parishes, as Housing Minister Marc Marsol presented the bill's details in July but proceeded without awaiting all communal input. He accepted some responsibility for Canillo's delayed response, describing the allotted period as short and coinciding with August, though he stressed the parish now supports requesting changes to address potential overlaps with local powers.

The bill aims to incentivize private developers to build affordable rental units, shifting focus from tenant protections like price caps to boosting supply. Alcobé praised this approach as positive in principle, noting it could effectively increase available housing. "We must celebrate action on supply rather than just demand," he said, adding that Canillo views the measure as potentially useful and efficient.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal defended the bill's constitutionality at a Wednesday press conference following the Council of Ministers meeting. He emphasized no intent to stir controversy, with efforts centered on expanding the public affordable housing stock. Casal pointed out parishes had two months to contribute, calling it sufficient, and urged collaboration over perpetual debate. The bill, he said, poses no risk to parish budgetary stability, and any constitutional challenge would require multiple parishes to join.

Alcobé's remarks follow Marsol's Tuesday defense of the bill and parish criticism, including from Escaldes-Engordany's Rosa Gili, amid the late June presentation to consuls. Canillo continues analyzing the text for refinements to prevent inconsistencies.