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Andorra Economy Commission Rejects Most Opposition Amendments to Rental Deintervention Bill

The government's bill to progressively end forced rental contract extensions advances after the Economy Commission dismissed most opposition proposals. Two amendments remain under review amid housing crisis tensions and stakeholder divides.

Key Points

  • Consell General's Economy Commission rejected nearly all 43 opposition amendments, advancing bill with minimal changes.
  • Opposition parties Concòrdia, PS, and AE plan to vote against the bill in full session, citing lack of dialogue.
  • Bill ends 2019 forced extensions for ~20,000 contracts (2027-2030), caps annual rent hikes at 1-6% plus IPC.
  • Head of Government Espot defends bill as balanced; social services report 35.4% rise in housing cases to 264 in 2025.

The Economy Commission of the Consell General has rejected nearly all 43 amendments proposed by opposition groups to the government's bill on the progressive deintervention of rental contracts, paving the way for its approval with minimal changes.

Demòcrates per Andorra (DA), alongside Ciutadans Compromesos (CC), voted against proposals from Concòrdia, the Partit Socialdemòcrata (PS), and Andorra Endavant (AE). Opposition parties expressed frustration, accusing the majority of treating the text as finalised before parliamentary debate concluded. Concòrdia described the process as unilateral and lacking dialogue on a key citizen concern. PS highlighted systematic rejection of contributions despite calls for proposals, opting for imposition over consensus. AE called it a serious institutional disrespect, undermining parliamentary work.

Two amendments remain pending ahead of the next Economy Commission meeting on Thursday: PS's on the "trampa del fill" mechanism and AE's to prevent non-residents from using residential rentals for commercial activities. The majority is reviewing them but expects few alterations overall.

Head of Government Xavier Espot defended the bill on Friday at Andoflora's inauguration, calling it protective and balanced. He acknowledged tenants with 2022 contracts—expiring in 2027—as the most exposed group, not specifically covered, but noted executive measures like regulatory actions could limit excessive rent hikes upon renewal. Espot accused opposition groups of instrumentalising housing debates and lacking outreach, pointing to their total-amendment filings as evidence of limited negotiating will.

The law ends forced extensions in place since 2019, affecting around 20,000 contracts between 2027 and 2030. It sets annual increases of 1-6% based on square-metre prices, plus IPC (with examples assuming 2.5% inflation). Post-transition, owners can renew or change tenants with six months' notice.

Opposition parties—Concòrdia, PS, and AE—have announced they will vote against the bill in full session. PS and Concòrdia reiterated plans to oppose it, citing unresolved uncertainties amid the housing crisis.

Stakeholder reactions underscore divisions. The Associació de Propietaris de Béns i Immobles (APBI) president Jordi Marticella argued it shifts state social duties to owners, creating legal insecurity; the IMF similarly advises against direct market intervention, favouring targeted aid. The Sindicat d’Habitatge d’Andorra (SHA) met with DA and CC post-16 May protest, demanding real guarantees against abusive hikes, silent evictions, and post-2021 contract vulnerabilities, plus indefinite contracts and a reference price index. SHA warned of rising social pressure if speculation prevails.

DA's majority ensures passage, though Espot stressed Friday the need for equilibrium without inequity to either side. The bill advances amid heightened housing tensions, with social services reporting a 35.4% rise in 2025 cases to 264.

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