Albert Pintat receives Andorra's Creu dels Set Braços at Santa Coloma ceremony
Former head of government Albert Pintat was honoured for his political and institutional career at Espai Columba, with Xavier Espot praising his EU outreach and diplomatic legacy.
Key Points
- Albert Pintat, head of government from 2005 to 2009, received Andorra's highest distinction at Espai Columba in Santa Coloma.
- Xavier Espot praised Pintat as a precursor who prepared Andorra for international change and deeper EU relations.
- Espot cited the Ramon Llull Institute membership, the Santa Coloma frescoes acquisition and the Holy See Concordat.
- Pintat warned about rising populist leaderships and actors operating outside multilateral bodies like the UN.
The Government awarded Albert Pintat, head of government from 2005 to 2009, the Creu dels Set Braços, Andorra's highest distinction, at a ceremony on Thursday at the Espai Columba in Santa Coloma. The award recognises his political and institutional career and his service to the country.
Current head of government Xavier Espot presented the decoration in the presence of authorities, family members and representatives of civil society. He described Pintat as "a precursor" who understood the need to prepare Andorra for changes taking place internationally.
Espot said that part of the transformation Andorra has undergone in recent decades originated in initiatives launched during Pintat's mandate. He highlighted his push to deepen relations with the European Union and to prepare the country to adapt to new international standards while preserving its competitiveness and sovereignty. He also pointed to Pintat's contribution to Andorra's external projection and to strategic projects in infrastructure, diplomacy, social facilities and cultural heritage, citing Andorra's membership of the Ramon Llull Institute, the acquisition of the Santa Coloma frescoes and the completion of the Concordat with the Holy See.
In his acceptance speech, Pintat expressed concern about the rise of populist leaderships and about international actors operating outside multilateral bodies. He was critical of attitudes that, he said, weaken cooperation between states and institutions such as the United Nations.
Born in Sant Julià de Lòria in 1949, Pintat held a long institutional career before leading the executive. He served as cònsol major of Sant Julià de Lòria, general councillor, foreign minister and Andorra's ambassador to various European states and institutions.
The ceremony included a projection of images covering Pintat's personal and institutional trajectory, performances by the Duet ONCA — Elias Porter on violin and Olga Palou on cello — and closed with the Andorran anthem.
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