Andorra Council Debates Reviving Pensions Scandal Inquiry After Judicial Closure

Andorra's General Council is weighing whether to revive its inquiry commission into the so-called "pensions scandal" following the Batllia's decision to provisionally close the criminal case.

The judicial archive, announced after 18 months of investigation, found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in the overpayments of partial invalidity pensions by the CASS public entity. The instructing judge cited the organisation's lack of technical and human resources to properly monitor those benefits as a key factor. Investigations included reviewing extensive documentation and questioning numerous individuals linked to the CASS, either as witnesses or suspects.

The move has caught commission members off guard. Established in February 2024, the parliamentary probe began work in mid-March but suspended activities by late April on judicial order, after the prosecutor declared the case secret and initiated formal proceedings. General Councillors contacted by reporters learned of the closure through media reports, not official channels.

PS representative Pere Baró and Concòrdia member Jordi Casadevall, both on the commission at the time, said the matter must now be discussed. Democrat leader Jordi Jordana framed the dilemma clearly: once the archive becomes final, the Council will decide whether to continue the commission's work.

The closure will firm up unless appealed, with the prosecutor's office the only apparent party able to do so. Sources indicate prosecutors are unlikely to challenge it. The CASS, which originally reported the irregularities to authorities, is not involved in any appeal and has ruled out further action. It previously dismissed disciplinary files, noting that any administrative or employment breaches had prescribed.

While Concòrdia previously called for political accountability, the judicial finding on resource shortages—echoed by those close to the CASS from the outset—complicates that push. Debate may now centre on resolutions to bolster the parapublic body's oversight capabilities, though the current leadership has already flagged anomalies and implemented fixes.

Councillors plan to address the issue after the holiday period.