Andorra Government Warns Housing Union It Will Not Allow Border Blockade During December Holiday

Andorra's Minister of Justice and Interior, Ester Molné, has rejected the possibility of blocking the country's borders during the December public holiday weekend, following a warning from the Housing Union (Sindicat de l'Habitatge) that it could organise a major protest if the Government fails to address its demands over housing affordability.

Molné stressed that the Andorran Government will not support demonstrations that prevent the free movement of people and goods, while acknowledging that the right to protest is fundamental and that the housing crisis remains one of the country's most pressing social concerns.

"From a legal standpoint, demonstrations cannot obstruct the free movement of people and goods."

Her comments follow an announcement by the Housing Union on Thursday, November 5, suggesting that a demonstration during the December holiday period could include a blockade of one of Andorra's border crossings as a pressure tactic against the Government.

Andorra's Interior Ministry demands an alternative to blocking the border

Molné explained that the Ministry of Justice and Interior has traditionally adopted a flexible approach when dealing with requests to organise demonstrations.

According to the minister, the authorities have consistently sought to facilitate peaceful protests, recognising freedom of assembly as an essential democratic right.

However, she insisted that demonstrations must operate within legal limits, particularly when they interfere with cross-border traffic and the transport of goods.

If the Housing Union proposes a demonstration involving the closure of a border crossing, the organisers will therefore be required to consider an alternative.

Molné also argued that demonstrations should not undermine the country's economic interests.

The minister has not specified what measures the authorities would take if protesters attempted to carry out the proposed blockade.

Housing Union issues ultimatum to the Andorran Government

The minister's response comes after a demonstration held on Thursday at Plaça de la Rotonda in Andorra la Vella, where more than 100 people gathered to demand stronger protections for tenants.

During the rally, Housing Union spokesperson Rebeca Bonache gave the Government until the December holiday weekend to respond to the organisation's demands.

If the authorities fail to provide what the union considers a satisfactory response, the organisation could call a major demonstration potentially involving a border blockade.

The union also raised the possibility of organising a general strike in Andorra in 2027 if significant changes to housing policies are not introduced.

Neither the proposed border protest nor the possible general strike has been formally scheduled.

Andorra's rental housing crisis fuels growing tensions

The dispute between the Government and the Housing Union comes amid growing concerns about rising rental prices and the difficulties residents face when trying to find affordable accommodation.

During Thursday's demonstration, Bonache accused the parliamentary majority of disregarding the amendments proposed by the union during the legislative process concerning housing regulations.

She also criticised the Government's rental assistance programme, arguing that public subsidies intended to help tenants meet high rents could ultimately benefit landlords.

According to the union, using taxpayers' money to subsidise expensive rental contracts does not address the underlying problem of housing affordability.

In September, the Andorran Government announced a rental assistance programme targeting eligible residents spending more than 30% or 36% of their income on housing, depending on applicable conditions.

The scheme is subject to economic and property-related eligibility requirements.

The Housing Union argues that these subsidies risk transferring part of the financial burden of high rents to taxpayers rather than directly reducing rental prices.

Bonache also claimed that the organisation continues to receive reports from residents who have been told to leave their homes, young people unable to become financially independent and families considering moving out of Andorra.

She did not provide a detailed breakdown of the number of people affected or their individual contractual circumstances.

December holiday weekend is crucial for Andorra's tourism economy

The timing of the threatened border blockade is particularly significant.

The December Constitution Day and Immaculate Conception holiday period is traditionally one of the busiest times for tourism in Andorra, attracting large numbers of visitors, particularly from Spain.

Retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and mountain tourism operators depend heavily on cross-border travel during this period.

A potential interruption to traffic at the country's border crossings could therefore affect residents, cross-border workers, tourists and the transport of goods.

The Housing Union views the possibility of a blockade as a means of increasing political pressure on the Government over housing affordability.

The Ministry of Justice and Interior, however, maintains that the right to demonstrate does not extend to preventing traffic from crossing Andorra's borders.

Government and Housing Union remain at odds

Molné's statements highlight the prospect of a confrontation over the conditions under which future housing demonstrations could take place.

The minister acknowledged the seriousness of the housing situation but insisted that social demands must be distinguished from the legal restrictions governing public demonstrations.

The Andorran Government has made clear that it will not support a demonstration involving a border blockade, while the Housing Union continues to consider escalating its protests in December.

The organisation has also warned of a possible general strike in 2027, although no official date has been announced.

The next major development could come during the December holiday weekend, when it will become clear whether the union intends to carry out its threatened action and how the Andorran authorities will respond.