Columnist Slams Andorra PM's EU Strategy as Circus Act

Columnist Helena Anillo has criticised Prime Minister Xavier Espot's approach to Andorra's potential EU integration, likening it to a circus act with an open ending.

In a commentary published on 17 December 2025, Anillo argued that Espot's strategy of keeping "all scenarios open" lacks strategic vision. She described it as a tightrope walk rather than a clear path forward on European Union relations. The piece, titled "Un circ amb final obert" (A circus with an open ending), referenced Espot's recent comments leaving the door open to plebiscitary elections on the EU issue without ruling out any options.

Anillo's critique follows Espot's statements on foreign affairs, amid ongoing debates about Andorra's international positioning. The column appeared under the "Vinyetes" opinion section of Altaveu, highlighting what she sees as performative diplomacy.

In a follow-up commentary on 18 December 2025, titled "Liquidació de consells" (Liquidation of councils), Anillo turned her attention to Andorra's diplomatic ambitions. She dismissed proposals for the microstate to actively mediate global conflicts—such as those advanced by Deputy Ferran Serrano Pentinat—as "brilliant but inoperative" ideas. Anillo portrayed them as wandorrapop, an unattainable fantasy unsuitable for practical policy.

Serrano Pentinat had called for Andorra to work actively for world peace and conflict resolution, but Anillo suggested such grand aspirations exceed the country's capacity. The piece critiques what she views as overreaching foreign policy goals from local figures.

These commentaries come as Andorra navigates tensions in housing policy, with rent thaw set for 1 January 2027 starting with the oldest contracts, and other domestic issues like social aid criteria and education investments. No official response from Espot or Serrano Pentinat has been reported.