Andorra Appoints 8 Prison Officers Amid Legal Challenge

Eight non-commissioned officers at Andorra's penitentiary centre received formal appointments last Wednesday, retroactive to cover their duties since 1 January, despite an ongoing legal challenge to their selection process and disputes over whether they received adequate training or supervision.

The officers emerged from a competitive examination in the final quarter of last year. They were originally scheduled to begin on 1 March, pending budget allocation, but started immediately due to staffing shortages—initially without official nomination. The Ministry of the Interior, led by Ester Molné, confirmed the approvals on Friday via a document sent to the officers. It noted the appointments would apply retroactively, as in past cases, and warned of the pending appeal filed mid-December by a candidate who contested four or five confusing exam questions. The government has until mid-February to respond but has not yet done so.

The ministry insists the process followed regulations, including proper budget provisions at year-end and sufficient accompaniment. Three of the officers previously held the roles via added responsibility supplements, providing experience. However, penitentiary sources dispute this, claiming no tutors or formal training were provided. One potential mentor—an agent who formerly performed the duties via supplement but failed to secure a permanent spot in the exam—declined to train the new officers, deeming it illogical.

For around 40 days, the eight signed documents and assumed full centre responsibilities without Council of Ministers approval, amid risks the entire process could be annulled if the appeal succeeds. The ministry maintains the challenge targets only the exam, not the subsequent deployment.