Andorra's EU Relations Secretary Landry Riba Named New Chief of Cabinet

Landry Riba, the current Secretary of State for Relations with the European Union, has been personally selected by Head of Government Xavier Espot to become the new chief of cabinet. The appointment replaces Sílvia Calvó, who will take over as director general of the Andorran Federation of Employers (FEDA) in under a month.

The move awaits confirmation once a suitable replacement is found for Riba's current role—one with deep knowledge of the EU association agreement, its finalized text, and related dossiers to handle explanations confidently. A candidate has already been approached, and a response is pending. Until then, the designation remains unofficial.

Riba and Espot have closely collaborated over the past legislative term, negotiating the association agreement and staunchly defending it across forums despite widespread public opposition. They stood nearly alone in this effort initially, as even party colleagues, government members, and DA elected officials stayed silent. The decision has surprised some within the executive, prompting puzzled reactions. Critics suggest it might signal dissatisfaction with Riba's handling of the negotiations and defense ahead of elections—whether advanced or not—though many of those same voices have praised his work.

Riba has faced intense scrutiny in Andorra, often as the public face of the deal, which could systemically transform the country if approved. He has pitched its benefits to business leaders, bankers, citizens, and skeptical politicians, some of whom oppose it for electoral reasons or fears of dire consequences, deploying unsubstantiated arguments. The EU validated the agreement in 2023, but Andorra has yet to complete final formalities to enable a referendum, which now appears definitively mixed.

The shift positions Riba closer to Espot on a daily basis and removes him from direct criticism by figures like Jaume Bartumeu. Observers note he stands to benefit from stepping away from the spotlight.