Andorra Parishes Propose Legal Framework for Consuls' Input on Legislation

Andorra's seven parishes are drafting a joint legislative proposal to establish a formal legal framework for consuls' meetings, granting them mandatory but non-binding rights to submit opinions on bills and regulations impacting local communities.

The initiative, presented by Canillo's lead consul Jordi Alcobé and Escaldes-Engordany's Rosa Gili at a press conference following the latest consuls' meeting in Escaldes-Engordany, seeks to replace the current association-based structure with a dedicated regulatory framework. Drawing from the European Charter of Local Self-Government and Council of Europe recommendations, it would introduce set deadlines for parish input, creating a single efficient channel for communication with the government, General Council, or other entities—eliminating the need for separate contacts across parishes.

Alcobé emphasized the parishes' potential as a "valid and effective interlocutor," noting that recent joint testimony before the General Council's Territory and Urbanism Commission on land law reforms revealed more unity than divisions despite diverse political backgrounds. Gili highlighted persistent communication gaps, where parishes' local expertise often lacks proper channels, and pointed to the judicial system's model of non-binding reports as inspiration. The consuls stressed the change would respect existing competencies while enhancing efficiency.

Parishes aim to finalize the draft over the next quarter and enter it into parliamentary process before the current legislative term ends. It would require additional resources beyond the current €12,000 annual contribution per parish, potentially including staff to track relevant issues, though details remain preliminary.

Alcobé also shared plans for €75 million in combined real investments across parishes in 2026, targeting communal services, social programs like childcare and elder care, tourism enhancements, economic growth, and village beautification. Budgets are targeted for early-year approval to enable prompt execution.

Gili announced representation updates with full consuls' consensus: economist Neus Cornella will succeed Lluís Ginjaume at the National Housing Institute, bringing an economic viewpoint; and Massana's social councillor Marc Jové, with legal and social expertise, will replace Magda Mata at the Private Tutelar Foundation at the end of her two-year term.