Pas de la Casa Traders Relieved as RN-20 Reopens March 9, Demand Works Schedule

**Pas de la Casa traders express relief at RN-20 reopening on March 9 but demand clear works schedule**

Andorra's head of government, Xavier Espot, confirmed last Friday that the RN-20 road—closed since January 31 after a landslide—will reopen on March 9, well ahead of the initial three-month projection. The six-week closure, shortened through Andorran-French coordination, has eased immediate pressures on Pas de la Casa's businesses ahead of French Carnival holidays and Easter, though traders stress the need for detailed planning on stabilisation works set to last 12 to 18 months.

Raül Calvo, president of the Unió de Comerciants de Tabac (UCAT), called the outcome a "surprising" success, crediting France's "serious" response for quelling early fears of neglect. Still, he cautioned that partial closures could resume in May or June, urging preparation. "The story isn't over," Calvo said, while calling for impact assessments and aid to offset losses despite the shorter blockade. Traders met Tuesday to review options, dropping protest plans.

Josep Maria Mas, head of the Pas de la Casa Chamber of Commerce and Economic and Social Council, described the date as "a breather" that calms nerves and secures key periods. "We're much more relaxed morally with a firm timeline," he said. The sector now awaits Andorra Turisme's promotional campaign, refreshed at a recent council meeting, targeting French media—especially from Toulouse—to confirm the March 14 Constitution Day as a trading Saturday and reassure day-trippers deterred by two- to three-hour detours.

Retail and dining bore the brunt, with day visitors hit hardest. Pierre Tropins of Racó de Lukka liquor store in the lower village reported steep losses and aid access barriers for small outlets, likening deferrals to non-relief since IGI tax remains due. Albert Santos of The Cork restaurant saw clients fall 70%, hoping summer stays clear. Perfumeria Mac's Vanessa Aguirrezabal noted 50% drops offset by locals, British and Russian guests. Ski rental worker Lucas Escobedo felt milder effects amid heavy snow. Wanna Sneakers' Jose Sánchez mourned absent day-trippers and panned the €30 fuel vouchers, exploited without purchases. Supermercat Moments owner Susana Gonçalves, near slopes, lost 40% but shunned repayable aid.

Hotels held steady. Albert Mora of Unió Hotelera d’Andorra reported February occupancy near 90% with no cancellation surge. "The impact was less than feared," he said, noting stability exceeded expectations, though short-stay sectors worried most. Day-dependent retail suffered more.

Aid critiques persist: vouchers proved "almost nil" in impact, with calls for consumption-tied incentives, rent relief or government-backed soft loans instead. ERTO furloughs are off the table. Weekend access stayed tough post-Carnival, worsening declines. Traders demand a precise calendar for future cuts, timed for off-season with ample notice to limit fallout. Additional strains like French farmer protests and snow compounded woes, while events like the Hibernation festival saw 15% ticket drops. CEA president Gerard Cadena seeks loss proofs for any aid extensions past March 9.