Politics

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

Andorra General Council Approves Selection for New AQUA Director

The legislative body initiated the process next month to appoint a successor before parliament dissolves for elections. A committee will review qualified applicants for a vote.

Andorra's Top Judge: New Magistrates Cover TSJ Needs, More May Be Needed

Two new substitute magistrates were sworn in to Andorra's Supreme Court of Justice, meeting immediate needs, though the president warns more reinforcements might be required for the legislative court amid ongoing challenges. He pushes for long-term planning and reforms.

Andorra's Espot Sets Elections for Late Jan-Early March If Priorities Met

Andorra's head of government will call general elections next year only after securing the national budget and key laws, avoiding a lame-duck administration. The vote stays separate from the pending EU agreement referendum, hindered by recent European approvals.

Andorra's Espot Slams Opposition Leaders as Unfit to Govern

Andorra's head of government warns that opposition figures lack the necessary expertise and support to lead effectively, drawing from his own extensive public service career. The comments intensify pre-election rivalry.

Andorra Pupil Numbers Drop Below 11,000 Amid Low Birth Rates and Migration Curbs

Education Minister Ladislau Baró attributes the modest decline to policies limiting school-age children's arrival and a birth rate failing to match population growth. Provisional data shows balanced language system enrollments.

Acció Feminista Slams Andorra Govt for Keeping Abortion Criminalized in Penal Code Reform

Feminist group accuses Andorran authorities of lacking will to decriminalize abortion despite reform promises, as the new Penal Code leaves women punishable for terminations. They demand a court review citing constitutional flaws and global evidence of harm from bans.

Andorra Allocates €6M for Rent Aid Capping Payments at 30% of Income

Prime Minister Xavier Espot announced the programme to ease housing costs for vulnerable groups. It builds on existing stabilising measures amid criticism from opposition parties over property speculation.

Andorra's Border Pact with France, Spain Stalled on Technical Issues

Head of Government Xavier Espot states that key technical refinements, including migrant protocols and security checks for non-EU nationals, must be resolved before the pact takes effect. Negotiations continue positively.

Andorra's Espot Urges Centre-Right Alliance Before Naming Election Candidate

Andorra's head of government advocates uniting centre-right forces with a shared national programme ahead of naming a lead candidate for general elections. He emphasises consensus over personalities to fend off radical opposition.

Andorra PM Espot Prioritises Abortion Decriminalisation Before Term Ends

Andorra's leader aims to remove criminal penalties for women seeking abortions abroad, viewing it as major progress without legalising procedures domestically. He hopes for Vatican acquiescence and passage before elections.

Andorra Síndic Praises Housing, Abortion, EU Progress in Ninth Legislature

In a Meritxell Day address, Síndic General Carles Ensenyat lauds the ninth legislature for laying groundwork on key issues. He draws parallels to past modernisations like the sanctuary rebuild, stressing long-term bases despite challenges.

Social Democrats to Grill Andorra Government on Housing, Microsoft Deal, Addiction Data

Andorra's Social Democrats will confront the government in parliament on September 17 over housing instability, homebuyer delays, a controversial Microsoft contract, and lack of fresh addiction statistics.

Macron Defends Andorra-EU Pact as Sovereignty-Safeguarding Deal

In a feast day message, France's president assures the asymmetric agreement balances integration with Andorra's controls on demographics and borders. He highlights mobility benefits for Andorrans and thanks immigrant workers.

Concordia Tables Motion to Reject Andorra's Weak Higher Education Reform

Andorra's Concordia group deems the proposed Higher Education Law reform insufficient, urging rejection to address regulatory gaps and prioritize quality amid rising private universities. A vote date remains unannounced.

Ordino Mourns Former General Councillor Emili Prats Grau, Dead at 80

Ordino parish pays tribute to longtime politician Emili Prats Grau, who died at 80 during treatment in Barcelona. His decades-long career included local council roles and national service under two governments.

150 Candidates Take A1 Catalan Exam in Andorra for Residency Renewal

Andorra administers a key language test today to help up to 150 people renew residence and work permits under the Official Language Law. High pass rates and support resources aid participants.

Andorra Launches Campaign Against Rising Digital Gender Violence

Andorran authorities report a sharp increase in digital gender-based violence cases, particularly among youth, prompting a new prevention campaign with Andorra Telecom. It educates on recognizing and responding to online control and harassment.

Virtus Slams Andorran Parties for Misusing Iceland Referendum on EU Deal

Conservative group Virtus condemns partisan use of Iceland's EU referendum by Andorran parties against the EU association agreement. It calls for accurate context, restraint from all sides, and diplomacy preserving Andorra's balance with co-princes France and Spain.