The debate in General Council of the amendments in their entirety presented by Concordia, the PS and Andorra Andavant against him bill to unfreeze rents turned into a long and tense exchange of reproaches between the Government and the opposition yesterdayin which models and diagnoses were compared on how to deal with the housing crisis. For nearly three hoursthe chamber showed the lack of consensus on one of the most sensitive social issueswith cross accusations about responsibility for the current situation.
“Governing is much more complicated than it seems and if one day they do it, which I hope not, they will see it”
The Minister of Housing, Conxita Marsol, forcefully defended the action of the executive and assured that the measures promoted in recent years have made it possible to put “more than 2,100 flats on the market”. In this sense, he criticized the minority groups that have opposed key initiatives, such as the regulation of tourist apartments, limitations on the purchase of property by foreigners or the increase in capital gains. “Many words, but few deeds”, he said, while claiming that the bill proposes a “progressive and balanced” disintervention to get out of the freeze without causing a shock to the market.
“Many words come from the opposition groups, but few deeds”
Marsol insisted that the text is the result of dialogue with different actors and that it responds to the need to start normalizing the market after years of exceptional measures.
The opposition he cast doubt on this account and denounced that his contributions are systematically ignored. The president of the Concordia group, Cerni Escalé, recalled that the group has presented numerous initiatives and amendments in the matter of housing without successwhile the PS councilor Pere Baró regretted that “they ask for our support but then in committee they do not accept any amendment”.
“The legitimacy of Democrats for Andorra is 6,000 people in a country of 90,000”
The debate also drifted towards the political legitimacy and social support for decisions. Escalade he recalled that most governs with around 6,000 votes, a figure which, despite being sufficient to have a parliamentary majority, is reduced “in a country of 90,000 inhabitants”. baronon the other hand, accused the Government of legislating “unilaterally” and warned that “will have to bear the consequences if the measures adopted do not work“.
“If there are no owners who put flats on the market, there are no tenants”
The head of government, Xavier Espot, closed the debate with a call to responsibility and defended the complexity of governing in a context like the current one. He assured that the executive has avoided a “wild disintervention” and has opted for a balanced path, i he warned the opposition that “governing is much more complicated than it seems and if one day they do, which I hope not, they will see it”.
“The Government will have to bear the consequences if the measures do not work”
Rejected proposals
Already focused on the subject of the session, the groups put on the table the changes they would like for the law, which were rejected.
The Social Democratic Party defended a continuist position, based on extending protection measures as long as structural policies are not deployed. Peter Baron warned of the existing “fear” among citizens and warned that many families fear having to leave their homes or even the country. Faced with this scenario, the PS proposes to extend the contracts for another three years, with a rent update linked to the CPI and limited to 2.5%. Also claims one clear legal framework for affordable housing and a strong push for public parksas well as a home purchase program with the participation of the Government.
concordin the same line, bets for more prolonged protection of tenants, but with a review of the economic model which, according to its leader, is at the root of the problem. Escalé warned that the freeze has generated distortions and placed citizens “between a wild market or a frozen market”. Your proposal goes through extend all contracts until 2030 to ensure stabilitywhile protecting the small owner and allowing him to adjust prices if they are below market. He also claimed prioritize access to housing for the local population and develop structural tools such as property registration.
to finish, Andorra Endavant defended an approach aimed at increasing supply and reducing market rigidities. Carine Montaner insisted that “if there are no owners who put apartments on the market, there are no tenants”and bet on encourage them with tax advantages. Among the proposals, it stands out the creation of more flexible contracts, the promotion of fast-build modular housing, the promotion of smaller flats and solutions such as co-living for temporary workers. He also claimed to facilitate the recovery of properties in case of non-payment to reduce the risk of owners and promote digital tools to improve market control.
The amendments
- CONCORD Concordia advocates extending contracts until 2030 and protecting tenants and small owners.
- P.S. The PS proposes to extend the rents for three years with limits to the CPI and to strengthen the public park.
- ANDORRA FORWARD. Andorra Endavant is committed to encouraging the offer with tax advantages and more flexible rental contracts.
