Social Affairs Commission approves phased expansion from 2026, reaching parity three years ahead of

The Social Affairs and Equality Commission of the Consell General has finalised key details of a phased expansion for paternity leave, reaching parity with maternity leave at 20 weeks by 2030—three years ahead of the government's initial 2033 target.

Agreed on Monday during work on the draft Law for the Promotion of Equal Treatment and Opportunities between Women and Men in the Workplace, the schedule starts with six weeks in 2026 (adding two weeks to the current four, in line with budgeted funds), rising to 10 weeks in 2027, 14 in 2028, 17 in 2029, and 20 in 2030. The expansion applies to adoption and fostering cases as well. This compromise, incorporating an amendment from Concòrdia and supported by the majority, accelerates the original eight-year plan of two-week annual increases amid opposition calls for faster implementation.

Commission sources described the agreement as a consensus achieved through "great efforts" from all parties, allowing equality in five years while managing economic impacts through larger jumps early on—four weeks in 2027 and 2028, then three-week increases—and keeping 2026 changes within existing budgets. A clause requires an economic impact study after three quarters, which could enable further acceleration if funding allows.

New provisions include a three-month notice period for employers, up from one month initially proposed, and retroactivity for parents since 1 January this year. For self-employed workers, the first four weeks of leave will be mandatory, with options for reduced hours afterward in specific cases, such as professionals needing to maintain client follow-ups.

Noemí Amador, president of the commission and councillor for Andorra Endavant, highlighted measures to prevent misuse of paternity leave. "We want parents taking leave to actually care for the babies," she said, noting controls via nursery school records to ensure children are not left there all day. Irregularities will trigger sanctions, though details remain pending.

The commission will resolve remaining technical issues, including terminology—"suspension" is favoured over "rest," "leave," or "licence"—next week, targeting final approval at the 30 April Consell General session, Coprinces' sanction, BOPA publication, and entry into force by late May.