Andorrans Chart 2050 Vision Prioritising Social Cohesion and Environment Over Economy

Around 240 Andorrans participated in "Tracem el futur d’Andorra en un món que canvia" (Let's Chart Andorra's Future in a Changing World), the Principality's largest citizen engagement initiative to date. Promoted jointly by the Government, Consell General, and seven communes, the process produced over 200 scenario elements and 186 potential measures for Andorra by 2050, emphasising social cohesion and environmental protection over economic competitiveness.

The effort featured 50 hours of deliberation at 30 working tables, October sectoral debates drawing about 170 participants per parish plus one in Pas de la Casa, and an 18-hour citizens' assembly in January with 45 members drawn by lottery. Key proposals spanned five areas: a preventive health system prioritising vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly; an end to property speculation to ensure affordable, dignified housing while respecting private ownership; science-based demographic limits linked to job opportunities; energy sovereignty via renewables and carbon neutrality; sustainable, non-mass tourism centred on nature, culture, and traditions; economic diversification into high-value sectors like primary production, subordinated to social and environmental priorities; coordinated territorial planning to protect natural spaces and architectural heritage; systemic mobility changes; and an inclusive identity rooted in multicultural diversity, with Catalan as the core language alongside multilingualism and a strong public education system.

Steering committee co-presidents Elisenda Vives and Manel Riera presented findings at the Auditori Nacional in Ordino's foyer, joined by participants and officials including Head of Government Xavier Espot, Síndic General Carles Ensenyat, Secretary of State for Equality and Citizen Participation Mariona Cadena, and Canillo's Jordi Alcobé representing the communes.

Participants rated institutional follow-up at just 3/10, reflecting widespread scepticism despite willingness to engage again. Vives highlighted the rushed timeline for results.

Espot called the ideas ambitious and challenging to implement amid potential conflicts, but pledged to integrate them as a binding supplement to electoral programmes for current and future governments. He underscored shared accountability with communes and Consell General, alignment with ongoing efforts, and the need for traceability to restore trust, noting mature democracy demands real citizen input beyond voting.

Ensenyat described the vision as the Andorra he wants to retire in and bequeath to others, serving as a policy roadmap. Alcobé stressed the duty to adopt and assess proposals, making future objectives achievable. Cadena advocated embedding participation throughout policy cycles, from inception to evaluation, for open collaboration.

Opposition voices expressed doubt. Concòrdia leader Cerni Escalé deemed the process necessary but politicised, urging a political shift for real impact and criticising government actions as mismatched with rhetoric on growth limits. PS councillor Laia Moliné welcomed alignments with her party's platform, warning against delays on housing and citing low trust as a signal to act boldly. Andorra Endavant declined comment, citing process "inconsistencies and anomalies" like daily participant payments of €100 and a €34,000 total cost without legal basis.

The Government thanked contributors, including Andorra Recerca+Innovació teams, and pointed to www.visc.ad for full details.