Andorran Government Rejects Urgent Fuel Price Relief, Proposes Shared Costs with Businesses

**Andorran government rules out immediate fuel price relief, insists on shared costs with sectors if needed**

The Andorran government has rejected calls for urgent action on rising fuel and essential goods prices, blamed by the Social Democratic Party (PS) on the Iran conflict. In a parliamentary control session, PS deputy leader Pere Baró warned that external shocks and domestic policies are eroding citizens' purchasing power, urging pre-emptive measures for fuels, food, and basics to prevent further decline.

Finance Minister Ramon Lladós countered that no immediate steps are warranted, despite March's consumer price index (IPC) rising from 3.1% to 4.1% due to fuel costs. He emphasised close market monitoring and existing protections like free public transport and stable electricity rates—what other countries treat as exceptional is standard here, he noted. Over two years, the IPC has increased 10%, while median salaries rose 17% and minimum wages 20%. Fuel prices remain below post-Ukraine war peaks, with decisions based on data.

Any future interventions, Lladós clarified, would not be universal but targeted at vulnerable families and businesses, implemented jointly with economic operators such as fuel distributors, transporters, and builders, who would share costs. "We are tracking market trends closely and will reinforce measures if needed," he said.

Baró labelled the approach a serious misstep, accusing the government of waiting for conditions to worsen before reacting.

**Opposition presses for nationwide rollout of elderly monitoring amid welfare model debate**

Concòrdia deputy leader Núria Segués criticised the social assistance system for relying on temporary aid that prolongs chronic poverty, despite 2024 social protection spending rising 16.5% to €343 million while the poverty risk rate climbed from 13% to 16%. One in five people now faces vulnerability, she said, calling for a model promoting economic, labour, and personal emancipation rather than repeated benefit extensions.

Health Minister Helena Mas defended an integrated framework coordinating social, health, educational, and community resources, with early detection by primary services and specialised teams for physical, mental, and addiction risks. Partnerships include Càritas, Red Cross, hospital, and emergency services. "Emancipation occurs with the person, not for them," she said, highlighting community mental health teams and autonomy projects.

Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín outlined the 'Radars' programme for tracking elderly people living alone, launching this April in Sant Julià de Lòria and Andorra la Vella, with agreements nearing completion for Encamp and Canillo and progressive expansion to all parishes. Full data is expected in six months. Developed since Covid and formalised late 2025 with Barcelona city council, it starts with five trained volunteers, backed by Andorra Telecom's free hotline, the medical college, and local businesses. Staffing ratios—one social worker per 5,000 residents and one social educator per 8,500—are deemed sufficient, with recent additions like a new worker at Fundació Privada Tutelar.

Head of Government Xavier Espot rejected sweeping critiques, noting annual declines in occasional aid and the social services law's emphasis on benefits as a "springboard" to independence, though persistent cases linked to health or addiction remain. Segués insisted the system handles urgencies but lacks follow-up for genuine exits from vulnerability, demanding national Radars coverage and stronger structural action.