Macron Urges Andorra to Advance Women's Rights, Including Abortion Reform

French President Emmanuel Macron, in his role as Andorra's co-prince, urged continued progress on women's rights—"all their rights"—in a message marking the 14 March 2026 Constitution Day anniversary, a call widely seen as alluding to the ongoing debate over abortion decriminalisation.

Macron tied the push to Title II of the Constitution, which upholds the inviolability of rights and equality before the law. He lamented that these principles often go unheeded beyond Andorra's borders or Europe, particularly for women, and tied in International Women's Day on 8 March by stating every day should honour it. Even in local societies, he added, customs and practices can impede full equality. "The anniversary of our Constitution's adoption invites us to continue, with courage and determination, the fight for women's rights—all their rights," he said. This effort, he argued, secures their freedom, autonomy, and societal role. "The Constitution enshrines these rights. We must measure ourselves against the Constitution to keep progressing."

The message opened with relief over the RN-20 road's reopening, a vital link to France and Europe. Macron praised the swift rock face reinforcement and pavement repairs that met safety standards, crediting parish cooperation as a sign of mountain solidarity. He used the episode to highlight environmental risks, calling for resolute sustainable development and "deep reflection" on Andorra's growth model. Amid global tensions, this vulnerability underscores the need to strengthen EU ties, which he called indispensable for connectivity, political stability, security, and the rule of law as Europe's "cornerstone."

Head of Government Xavier Espot addressed abortion directly, committing to a discreet yet persistent search for a solution that advances women's rights while preserving institutional balance, including the episcopal co-prince. He prioritised housing access, outlining plans to deregulate rentals from next year alongside a public stock of affordable units to boost supply progressively. Espot also covered sustainable growth, economic diversification, and the EU association agreement.

Episcopal co-prince Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat emphasised religious freedom, pluralism, and dialogue in an open society. He called for enhancing education with quality, cultural roots, and diversity, plus a national pact on vocational training for emerging sectors. For youth, he sought public-private housing partnerships; for seniors, better home care, health coordination, and emotional support to combat isolation. Serrano renewed pledges for global peace and justice.

Macron's position aligns with prior statements: in 2022, he supported studying abortion's constitutional place for a "modern Andorra"; in 2019, he expressed personal backing for choice and offered French hospital access, while deferring to Andorran institutions. Andorra maintains one of Europe's strictest abortion bans, matched only by the Vatican—especially stark since France constitutionalised the right two years ago. The topic persists ahead of Macron's planned 27-28 April visit. He ended by saluting Andorra's sovereign Constitution, adopted by its people to shape their future.