Andorra PM Closes Encamp Carnival Effigy Row, Denies Antisemitism

Prime Minister Xavier Espot has reiterated that the controversy over Encamp's Carnival effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, featuring a Star of David, was an "error" that generated confusion but involved no antisemitic intent. Speaking Thursday after a Council of Ministers meeting in Pas de la Casa, Espot called for the matter to be considered closed, citing sufficient clarifications from Encamp's Festivals Commission and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Espot detailed a Tuesday meeting in Paris between Andorra's ambassador to France, Ester Rabassa, and Israel's chargé d'affaires. The encounter, linked to Andorra's shift in diplomatic representation from Madrid to Paris, allowed Rabassa to distance the government from the effigy, provide context, and reaffirm opposition to antisemitism, racism, or attacks on religions and peoples. He emphasized the commission's statement that the figure targeted a specific politician, not Jews or Israelis generally, though its depiction risked misinterpretation.

Encamp's Cònsol Major Laura Mas, addressing the issue Wednesday after a council session, defended Carnival's tradition of irreverent political satire while acknowledging the Star of David's use as a mistake by the youth-led commission. She condemned any hatred, expressed regret for offense caused—particularly from out-of-context social media images showing prop weapons and the hanging—and noted their prompt removal. Mas clarified the planned follow-up as a personalized letter to the Associació Cultural Israelita de les Valls d'Andorra (ACIV), not a public release, and urged de-escalation in Encamp's diverse community.

The ACIV accepted that letter Thursday, with president Isaac Benchluch stating the community never doubted good intentions and now views the issue settled locally. The document admitted the symbol's inappropriate use sparked "understandable anger" and unintended readings, rejected hatred or violence, contextualized props as traditional, and pledged respect for all faiths. Benchluch noted a personalized Netanyahu image would have stayed within satirical norms, avoiding broader offense, and said ACIV is translating the letter for international Jewish groups to quell overseas backlash and avert boycotts.

Earlier outcry included Israel's Paris embassy spokesperson Hen Feder labeling the scenes "horrific antisemitism" evoking dark history, and France's CRIF regional head Franck Touboul threatening boycotts or legal action. Israel's Foreign Ministry later condemned the display as "normalization of hate." Andorran officials, including Síndic General Carles Ensenyat, who called images "harsh" without context, and Ordino's Carnival testament supporting Encamp's satirical rights—mocking figures like Netanyahu, Putin, or Espot—responded swiftly. No formal complaints reached authorities.