Andorra Opposition Slams 'Irrational' Population Surge Past 100,000

Ordino opposition councillor Enric Dolsa labelled Andorra exceeding 100,000 residents as "irrational," criticising the government for lacking a clear vision on the country's direction and failing to curb recent demographic and urban growth rates of 10-14%.

During a press conference following Thursday's routine council session in Sancogesma, Dolsa pointed to unchecked expansion, saying the government always holds the authority to pause construction and adjust it if growth spirals out of control. "They could have done so years ago and decided where they wanted to take the country—a reflection that was not made, and now we're where we are," he noted. While past development cannot be undone, he urged a national debate on "how many people we want to be in this country," insisting such trends cannot persist.

His comments addressed the Landowners' Association (APTA)'s call for a supranational body to oversee urban planning, a proposal parishes have opposed as eroding their constitutional authority. Dolsa, who contributed to the qualified competencies law during his time in the General Council, stressed that urbanism falls squarely under parish control. "The law is clear: it's the parish's responsibility and no one else's," he said, adding that changes would prove highly complex and those dissatisfied could pursue legal avenues.

Senior councillor Maria del Mar Coma aligned with this stance, accusing APTA of selective constitutional loyalty. "They fiercely demand respect for Article 100 on property rights, claiming it's not being upheld, yet now question parish urban planning powers enshrined in the Constitution. They want it respected for some things but not others—it's contradictory," she observed.

Coma recognised the rapid population increase but defended recent restrictions as appropriately timed, despite challenges in calibrating them to avoid economic harm. She highlighted growth's role during downturns like 2007-2008 and noted benefits such as economic health, even as housing faces pressures.

The session handled procedural matters, approving unified regulations for communal halls covering usage, fees, rentals, management, and cleaning. It also initiated processing for a national park straddling Ordino and Canillo, with technical reports now available for public review through the BOPA, relevant parishes, and government channels.

On the socio-health centre project, still preliminary, Coma outlined plans to finalise tender specifications by year-end or early next year. Ordino seeks government transfer of Casa Rossell land for a private firm to construct and operate the facility, given fiscal constraints at both parish and national levels. In return, the parish would undertake essential maintenance works at Casa Rossell. This aligns with Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín's Wednesday update on negotiations for various initiatives, including Ordino's.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over growth management, land use, and power distribution between parishes and central authorities. The government has yet to respond.