Concordia Demands Reversal of Calvó's FEDA Appointment as Revolving Door Scandal

Cerni Escalé, leader of the Concordia parliamentary group, has demanded that the Andorra government reverse Sílvia Calvó's appointment as director general of Forces Elèctriques d’Andorra (FEDA), describing it as an unethical "revolving doors" move given her current role as chief of staff to Head of Government Xavier Espot and her membership in Demòcrates.

The dispute arose during a Thursday session of the Consell General in Andorra la Vella, where Escalé called for a public competition to fill the position vacated by retiring director Albert Moles. While acknowledging Calvó's qualifications and expertise, he argued for greater transparency and openness in selections to tap broader talent and avoid politicizing independent agencies. He cited a pattern in recent government appointments, noting that seven of the last eight went to former ministers or affiliates of Demòcrates or majority coalition parties. "Appointing your right-hand person is something that should not happen in our country," Escalé said. "It is conduct unbecoming of a state like ours."

Espot rejected the call outright, affirming that the executive "will not backtrack, and certainly not because you say so." He insisted the appointment followed article 11 of the FEDA law, which assigns leadership selection to the government without requiring public contests. Espot explained that Moles's term had been extended to 2026, with preparations starting six months before his retirement. He defended Calvó's suitability, emphasizing FEDA's need for a leader combining technical skills with strategic and political vision—such as negotiating advance energy purchase contracts to buffer customers from market swings and advancing the energy transition. Espot highlighted her contributions, including as environment minister during the approval of the law on energy transition and climate action.

Countering claims of favoritism, Espot said he never checks party affiliations and has retained non-political directors from the previous social-democrat government at entities like Andorra Telecom, the AFA, and the AREB. He dismissed public competitions as unnecessary "rocambolesque" exercises for appearances and urged Escalé to propose legal changes if he disagreed.

In replies, Escalé pressed on the need for public processes at independent agencies. Espot agreed on bolstering boards with technical experts, noting plans to prioritize such profiles for Calvó's vacancy as chief of staff and other openings. Escalé maintained his push for open recruitment to ensure the best candidates.