Politics

Government, policy, and civic affairs across Andorra and Catalonia.

Andorra Police Arrest Two Men for Resisting in Tobacco Smuggling Bust

Authorities subdued the suspects after they abandoned a French car and fled on foot during a routine check. The tobacco haul fell below criminal levels but prompted charges for public authority offenses.

Andorra's Mariona Cadena Urges Resources and Gender Focus for Equality Laws at Ibero-American Forum

At the Ibero-American Gender Forum in Toledo, Andorra's equality secretary pushed for robust implementation of laws through funding and gender-aware policies, sharing national advances amid global discussions on violence prevention and women's leadership.

Andorra Minister Considers Textbooks in Schools Amid Education Review

Andorra's government is reviewing its educational model, with Minister Ladislau Baró supporting textbooks to strengthen basic knowledge alongside competencies. PISA tests showed strong 93% participation, results due next year.

Ordino Council Disputes Amphitheatre Swap for Wetlands Centre

Councillors clashed at a meeting over ditching a Roman amphitheatre for an environmental centre, balancing cultural promises with wetland protections in Ordino's La Querola project.

Andorra Councillor Questions €3.1M Microsoft Deal Over Dependency Risks

A social-democrat councillor raises alarms about Andorra's €3.1 million Microsoft contract, fearing it entrenches reliance on one provider despite government pledges for independence. The minister counters with emphasis on unification and ongoing diversification efforts.

EU Commissioner Confirms Andorra and San Marino to Sign Association Agreements on October 19

The European Union will formalize deeper ties with Andorra and San Marino through association agreements on October 19, overcoming years of technical and political hurdles including translations into Catalan and member state approvals.

Andorran Opposition Slams Rental Aid as Rent Inflation Risk

Opposition leaders in Andorra criticise the government's new rental assistance for potentially driving up rents and creating welfare dependency. The minister defends it as a short-term measure with safeguards.

Andorra Male Prison Officers' Salaries Surge 33%, Creating 16% Gender Pay Gap

Interior Minister Ester Molné disclosed figures showing male agents' salaries growing over three times faster than female counterparts, flipping prior parity into a significant disparity at La Comella penitentiary.

Andorra's Espot and Tor to Attend UN General Assembly in New York

Andorra's head of government Xavier Espot and Foreign Minister Imma Tor will join UNGA's High-Level Week, delivering a key address and attending events on global challenges and small states coordination.

Andorra to Sign EU Association Agreement on Oct 19 in Brussels

The signing will stabilize negotiations but provisional application awaits European Parliament ratification, an Andorran referendum, and final approval. Espot stresses no rush on the vote to ensure proper campaigning amid looming elections.

Andorra Council Raises Salaries for 7 Special Staff to Match New Pay Scale

Andorra's General Council has equalized pay for seven special relations civil servants, including the secretary general and head of protocol, after they lagged behind others under the new scale effective from July. Salaries now range up to €6,880 monthly.

Andorra Gains Direct Access to Europol's SIENA Network via New Pact

Andorra's police now connect directly to Europol's secure SIENA network, enabling real-time intelligence exchange on crimes like trafficking and terrorism with global partners.

Andorra Parish Consuls Target December 1 for Traffic Agent Body Cameras

Parish consuls in Andorra have committed to activating body cameras on traffic agents by December 1, urging the Interior Ministry to expedite legal changes. The move prioritizes security and accountability without constant surveillance.

Andorran Student Withdrawals Double as Families Leave Country

Withdrawals from Andorran schools surged 61% in 2025-26, driven by families exiting the country, especially Latin Americans amid residence permit changes under the Omnibus Law.

Nine Small European States Formalize Alliance at Andorra Conference

Leaders from nine small European states signed a memorandum at Andorra's conference, turning informal parliamentary meetings into an official annual body. This strengthens their collective influence in international organizations like OSCE and Council of Europe amid varied EU ties.

Spain's Albares Predicts Catalan Will Soon Gain Official EU Status

Spain's foreign minister states a large majority of EU member states support adding Catalan to official languages, with Spain funding it and dismissing opposition as politically motivated by the Popular Party. Andorra pledges full backing during Albares' visit.

Spain's Foreign Minister Calls for Permanent Border Mechanisms with Andorra

On his inaugural trip to Andorra, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares urged lasting solutions for shared border issues like worker fraud and service strains, while signing pacts on crime, culture, and diplomacy.

Spanish FM Albares Visits Andorra to Sign Agreements and Ease Border Tensions

José Manuel Albares started a day-long trip to Andorra la Vella, holding talks with officials on key bilateral issues like immigration controls and EU ties, building on established rapport.

Andorra's Progressistes-SDP skips 2027 candidacy for broad transversal alliance

The social democratic party prioritises forging a shared national platform transcending party lines, unveiling a progressive long-term framework with commitments on key issues like housing, security, and EU relations. The council endorsed this over a solo electoral bid.

Andorran Virtus Party Proposes More Police and Expanded Traffic Agent Powers for Public Safety

The Andorran party emphasizes preventive measures through better coordination among police, schools, and services. Proposals include technology like surveillance with privacy safeguards and enhanced transnational security cooperation.

Andorra Union USdA Quits EU State Pact Over Unheld Referendum

Gabriel Ubach announced the decision, slamming the government for inconsistency and evasion despite years of union pressure for the public vote on EU ties. The move highlights tensions as elections loom.

Andorra Firefighters Halt Overtime and Training Over Pay and Safety Disputes

Andorra's SIB A-118 firefighters union has launched an overtime and training boycott amid failed negotiations with the government on salary adjustments, staffing shortages, equipment renewal, and health protections against carcinogenic risks.

Andorra Endavant Rejects Andorra Digital with €2.6M Budget Amendment

Opposition party Andorra Endavant challenges the government's plan for a new digital agency, proposing to redirect funds and integrate duties into current ministries to avoid bureaucratic bloat in the microstate.

Spain's Foreign Minister to Visit Andorra to Finalize EU Border Agreement

Spain's top diplomat will meet Andorran leaders to seal a pact exempting border crossers from the EU's new Entry/Exit System while boosting cooperation and mobility rights.

Andorra Approves Updated Public Worker Classification Rules After Union Demands

Andorra's Ministry of Public Function has updated workplace classification regulations, adding transparency measures like score breakdowns and generic job profiles. The changes resolve union disputes and aim to modernise administration without altering core processes.