Andorra's Opaque Public Appointments Spark Transparency Debate

Andorra's longstanding practice of opaque appointments and opaque leadership changes has come under renewed scrutiny following the recent controversy over the FEDA directorship. The incident has reignited a long-standing debate about how public positions should be filled through open competitions based on merit, rather than political or personal loyalty.

Critics argue that revolving-door arrangements between roles undermine institutional credibility and transparency. The justification that certain strategic enterprises or agencies are too vital to entrust to open processes no longer holds, especially given their importance to the country. Instead, rigorous, competitive selection mechanisms are essential to bolster the legitimacy of those appointed to lead them.

Concòrdia has been the first to raise the issue publicly in this instance, but the discussion extends beyond a single case. For Andorra to develop a modern, trustworthy administration, it must decisively shift away from secretive designations toward a genuine culture of openness. Without such reforms, public trust will continue to erode.