Andorra Eyes Parliament Dissolution in September for 2026 Elections

Political circles in Andorra are increasingly discussing a potential dissolution of parliament in September, paving the way for legislative elections in December 2026. This scenario would effectively mark the technical end of the current term while avoiding the overlap of multiple electoral contests in a single year.

Head of Government Xavier Espot is said to have accepted that further progress on key legislative priorities is unlikely. These include the stalled association agreement with the European Union, where Espot has ruled out holding a referendum despite external pressures, citing the recent delay by the Council of the EU as a factor. Similarly, efforts to decriminalise abortion face strong opposition from the Holy See, rendering government proposals largely symbolic rather than substantive.

The current legislature, dominated by the Democrats, had pinned high hopes on these issues alongside housing reforms. However, public housing initiatives are not expected to meet real demand, and upcoming rent freeze adjustments will likely disappoint both property owners—a core Democrat voter base—and tenants, who hold significant social influence but less electoral weight.

The government is navigating a precarious landscape, compounded by the ongoing crisis in Pas de la Casa, including disruptions to the RN-20 road link, which add to its mounting wear and tear despite not being directly attributable to official actions. Amid these challenges, the Democrats lack a clear leadership successor to Espot. Speculation centres on Ladislau Baró as the frontrunner, potentially heading a new platform to unite diverse ideological groups. Other names in contention include Maria Martisella, though figures like Guillem Casal, Conxita Marsol, Jordi Alcobé, and Jordi Cinca have lost momentum. Some within the party see potential in broader alliances leaning rightward, possibly involving Ciutadans Compromesos, with entrepreneur Daniel Armengol mentioned as a wildcard despite his reluctance.

Observers anticipate the elections will take on a plebiscitary character, allowing the Democrats to sidestep a formal EU referendum while complicating opposition narratives from a potential Concòrdia-PS alliance, where views on the association agreement diverge. The atmosphere is already pre-electoral, with the government focused on managing time without further erosion of support.