Opposition Slams Andorra Square Renovation Cost Overruns via Parallel Contracts

In Andorra la Vella's latest communal council session, opposition councillor David Astrié from Demòcrates sharply criticised the rising costs of the Plaça del Poble renovation, accusing the governing Enclar team of masking overruns through parallel contracts.

Astrié noted the project was awarded in August 2024 for 2.75 million euros, a figure the current administration highlighted as a significant cut from an earlier estimate of around four million euros under the previous Demòcrates-led council. He pointed to an approved credit extension of 478,000 euros—nearly reaching the 20% legal threshold for deviations—and additional government board approvals for smaller contracts, such as gardening and textile banner installations, totalling 508,000 euros since April of last year. Combined, these pushed the overall cost above 3.5 million euros, Astrié argued, undermining claims of substantial savings.

"We have the feeling the council has camouflaged these overruns with parallel adjudications," Astrié said, demanding a full breakdown of the real total expenditure.

Cònsol Major Sergi González rejected the accusations, insisting the administration had remained transparent throughout, with oversight from intervenors, finance directors, urban planning coordinators, and technical teams. He described the extra contracts as necessary on-site improvements, including universal accessibility upgrades, that were addressed efficiently without halting work for new tenders. "We have not camouflaged anything," González stated, dismissing "camuflat" as mild language. He announced an extraordinary commission to review all costs and adjudications in detail, adding that residents were now enjoying the revitalised square.

The session, held on Thursday, also saw unanimous approval of salary table updates for public sector workers, effective January 1, 2026. Adjustments accounted for the 2025 IPC rising to 2.7% from a budgeted 2.2%, plus a 5.4% minimum wage increase to 1,525.33 euros. This resulted in a 5.26% raise for 11 group C, level 3 employees—the lowest-paid—to ensure no one fell below the interprofessional minimum.

Councillors greenlit the partial plan for the PP-SUR-23.1 Borda Blau development in La Grella zone, proposed by landowners. It includes new roads and building plots, with a 4,848-square-metre plot ceded to the council for potential water reservoir expansion and enhanced public access along Camí Ral toward La Massana.

Montserrat Altimir was ratified as the new Social Department director, absorbing Youth, Participation, and Citizen Space units under one umbrella for better lifecycle coverage, as explained by councillor Maria Nazzaro. Altimir, with 20 years in the department, was praised for her role in its growth; the former area head position remains vacant.