Andorra PS Insiders Push to Oust Pere Baró as 2027 Election Candidate

Senior figures in Andorra's Partit Socialdemòcrata (PS) continue to press for replacing Pere Baró as the party's lead candidate for the 2027 general elections, with recent developments highlighting growing internal momentum against his leadership as the final year of the legislature approaches.

Party insiders have directly conveyed their concerns to Baró, pointing to his handling of the 2025 Escaldes dispute with councillor David Pérez. The PS then withdrew support from the local majority after accusing Pérez of leveraging his role to aid a parking concessionaire where he worked professionally. Critics within the party viewed the move as damaging potential ties with Concòrdia, which many see as crucial to avoiding electoral irrelevance, particularly in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes parishes.

Baró faces criticism for an inconsistent strategy—alternating sharp attacks on Democrats for Andorra (DA) with unclear positioning toward Concòrdia—coupled with a perceived absence of strong leadership, no distinct national vision, and inability to rally support following the PS's 2023 setbacks under Pere López. His ascent came at a low point when few sought the role amid dim prospects, but sources now portray him as a barrier to progress.

Opposition has crystallized publicly, especially from general councillor Laia Moliné, who belongs to the SDP sphere but sits with the PS parliamentary group. Reports from mid-April 2026 indicate she has explicitly refused to back Baró ahead of possible primaries, fueling wider mobilization. This external challenge underscores tensions over whether leadership should stay within the party's organic structure.

Susanna Vela, a veteran PS figure, has confirmed her retirement at the legislature's end, limiting options further. Potential successors include Quim Miró and Gerard Alís, though both hesitate—Miró turned down a mayoral bid in Andorra la Vella, and Alís doubts his suitability. Maria Nazzaro, the organisation secretary, has gained traction as a renewal option despite her limited top-level experience, while recent reports from 15 April position Alís more prominently due to his institutional background: former PS first secretary (2019-2023), general councillor (2015-2019), and roles in legislative committees on interior and social affairs, plus a legal career including work at Andbank and as anti-corruption advisor.

Some acknowledge Baró's contributions, such as bolstering critiques of housing policies under Minister Conxita Marsol and steadying the party post-López. Yet detractors describe his approach as overly open and disorganized. No alternative has emerged with strong enthusiasm, which could extend his position, but opponents hold leverage after prior attempts to unseat him and Marta Pujol. Without a Concòrdia alliance, the PS risks marginalization in the tightening progressive field.