Andorra Government Rejects PS Bill on Protecting Future Generations

The Andorran government has issued an unfavourable opinion on a Social Democratic Party (PS) bill designed to shield future generations from the financial consequences of today's political choices.

The executive's rejection, announced by government spokesperson and minister Guillem Casal, paves the way for the proposal's likely defeat in a Consell General vote on whether to take it into consideration, slated for late April. Backed by the government's parliamentary majority, the bill stands little chance of progressing.

Casal described the text as "majoritàriament declaratiu" and lacking substantial innovations, arguing that its principles are already embedded in Andorra's legal framework and recent policies. He referenced the Law on the Impulse of the Energy Transition and Climate Change, the circular economy law, agriculture law amendments, and forthcoming water legislation alongside a new natural park. These measures, he noted, align with international pledges such as the Agenda 2030, Paris Agreement, and Rio Declaration.

The government acknowledges the bill's objectives but views it as duplicative, potentially creating parallel evaluation mechanisms that lead to administrative redundancies and complications rather than simplification. Casal highlighted reforms in land-use planning and housing as further evidence of Andorra's established sustainability framework.

Particular concern centred on the proposed "defender of future generations," a consultative figure to represent young people. The executive deems this an unnecessary new body whose functions overlap with existing institutions, granting it political influence without executive accountability or direct democratic oversight.

While sharing the bill's goals, the government insists it adds no new rights or obligations. The PS proposal now awaits the parliamentary vote, where the executive's allies are poised to reject it.