Protest for decent housing

This update covers developments relating to the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in Andorra from 1st November 2024 to 22nd April 2025.

GENERAL

Abortion

On 8th April 2025, during a speech given at the Council of Europe, Prime Minister Espot announced that abortion would be decriminalised before the end of the legislature and that "creative solutions" would be found so that the women of Andorra can freely abort outside the country.

Abortion remains completely prohibited in Andorra. According to data gathered by the cross-border investigation Exporting Abortion, each year, an average of 131 Andorran women go to Spain to obtain an abortion.

Ahead of the 8th March 2025 demonstrations, Feminist Action denounced the slow and discretionary process in the negotiations on the decriminalisation of abortion. The association chose to demonstrate in Barcelona and not in Andorra.

ASSEMBLY

Protesters demand decent housing

On 5th April 2025, between 1300 and 1750 people (according to the coordinator of the mobilisation) protested in the streets of Andorra la Vella. According to the police, there were 750 participants. The protesters demand solutions to the increase in housing prices. The route of the demonstration had been approved earlier by the Interior Minister.

According to an analysis published by the International Monetary Fund, housing affordability in Andorra has been impacted by changing demographics and increasing real estate prices and rents. The first major mobilization to demand solutions to the increase in prices took place on 31st October 2023.

ASSOCIATION

Andorra Red Cross Director dismissed

On 31st March 2025, Jordi Fernandez, the director of the Andorran Red Cross, was dismissed by the Board. This decision was taken in the context of a governmental regulation requiring managers of health care centres to have a specific qualification. According to the Minister of Social Affairs and Public Administration, Trini Marín, a 2007 regulation requires that the whole chain of responsibility should have this degree, which was disputed. The decision was taken in a tense climate. Other reasons for the dismissal were provided and disputed by the director.

Department of Statistics releases data on registered associations

On 22nd April 2025, the Department of Statistics released data on the number, type and location of registered associations in the country. 2024 closed with a total of 779 active associations in the Associations Register and of 35 foundations, a number similar to previous years. Private foundations represent 80% of the country’s foundations, and public foundations 20%.