Andorra's General Syndic Urges Prudent Management of Co-Princely System Amid Abortion Debate

Carles Ensenyat, Andorra's General Syndic, urged leaders from the Consell General, government, communes, Superior Council of Justice and other institutions to manage the co-principality system prudently during his closing speech at the Sant Tomàs session in Casa de la Vall. He described the framework as imperfect yet shaped by collective historical experience, emphasizing the need to use existing tools to tackle modern challenges while ensuring stability—a core national value that keeps institutions practical, predictable and aligned with citizens' needs.

Ensenyat stressed that institutions should act as links in Andorra's ongoing story, promoting continuity over rupture. He recalled how the French Revolution's abolition of feudal rights left Andorra without a French co-prince for 14 years, prompting Andorrans in 1806 to travel to Paris and convince Napoleon Bonaparte to restore the role. "In a world pushing toward freedom and republicanism, Andorra wanted to keep its co-princes," he said, framing it as evidence of the country's longstanding wisdom and aversion to short-sighted views.

Without directly addressing abortion decriminalisation, Ensenyat linked recent parliamentary debates—including on abortion, language preservation, growth balance, social justice, pensions, transparency, accessibility and territorial protection—to shared societal concerns. Institutions must tackle these responsibly to foster cohesion, inclusivity and accountability to future generations, he said, insisting debate remains vital but must respect the overarching system.

Parliamentary group leaders read the speech in light of the abortion issue. Concòrdia’s Cerni Escalé praised its focus on balancing tradition with utility, calling for institutions to reflect social realities and pushing for swift decriminalisation via consensus with the co-princes. He highlighted the need for equilibrium between symbolic roles and practical relevance, urging the episcopal co-prince to consider societal modernisation.

Partit Socialdemòcrata’s Susanna Vela called it a robust institutional call for balance, viewing it as an opening to prioritise women's rights post-constitutional review, now pending the episcopal co-prince's decision. She stressed flexibility to protect personal rights while maintaining stability.

Andorra Endavant’s Carine Montaner reaffirmed institutional support without tying it to abortion, focusing on oversight duties.

Majority parties Demòcrates and Ciutadans Compromesos stressed caution. Demòcrates’ Jordi Jordana (also reported as Ornada) advocated gradual change to preserve equilibrium, expressing optimism for consensus amid national evolution. Ciutadans Compromesos’ Carles Naudi warned mishandled abortion laws could jeopardise the episcopal co-prince, favouring discreet talks to advance rights without systemic risk.

Following the session, opposition groups voiced frustration over a leaked draft law on rent defrosting, criticising the government for sharing details publicly before parliamentary review or consultation with economic and social actors. Concòrdia’s Escalé, PS’s Vela and Andorra Endavant’s Montaner demanded dialogue first, suspecting a trial balloon to gauge reactions.

Parliamentarians also rejected Escaldes-Engordany Cònsol Major Rosa Gili's proposal for a tripartite commission with government and Consell General to curb high-rise towers, citing existing urban planning commissions, communal competencies and poor timing near her mandate's end. Concòrdia’s Escalé alone backed it, warning against 20-storey blocks in narrow valleys.