Politics of Andorra
This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (December 2016) |
Catalan / Valencian cultural domain |
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Constitution |
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Andorra portal |
The politics of Andorra take place in a framework of a
Before 1993,
The fundamental impetus for this political transformation was a recommendation by the Council of Europe in 1990 that, if Andorra wished to attain full integration in the European Union (EU), it should adopt a modern constitution that guarantees the rights of those living and working there. A Tripartite Commission – made up of representatives of the co-princes, the General Council, and the Executive Council – was formed in 1990 and finalized the draft constitution in April 1991, making the new constitution a fact.
One remaining, though symbolic, legacy of Andorra's special relationship with France and Spain, is that the principality has no postal service of its own – French and Spanish postal services operate side by side, although each of them issues separate stamps for Andorra, instead of using their own.
Government
Executive branch
Under the 1993
The way the two
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episcopal co-prince of Andorrasince 12 May 2003.
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French co-prince of Andorrasince 14 May 2017.
In 1981, the Executive Council, consisting of the
Office | Name | Party | Since |
---|---|---|---|
Co-Princes | Joan Enric Vives Sicilia
|
12 May 2003 | |
Emmanuel Macron | En Marche!
|
14 May 2017 | |
Representatives
|
Josep Maria Mauri[1] | 20 July 2012 | |
Patrick Strzoda | En Marche!
|
14 May 2017 | |
Prime Minister
|
Xavier Espot Zamora | Democrats for Andorra | 16 May 2019 |
Legislative branch
Andorra's main legislative body is the 28-member General Council (Parliament). The sindic (president), the subsindic and the members of the Council are elected in the general elections to be held every four years. The Council meets throughout the year on certain dates set by tradition or as required.
At least one representative from each parish must be present for the General Council to meet. Historically, within the General Council, four deputies apiece from each of the seven individual parishes have provided representation. This system allowed parishes with as few as 350 voters the same number of representatives as larger parishes with up to 2,600 voters. To correct this imbalance, a provision in the new constitution modifies the structure and format for electing Council members. Under the new format, half of the representatives are chosen by the traditional system, and the other half selected from nationwide lists.
A sindic and a subsindic are chosen by the General Council to implement its decisions. They serve three-year terms and may be reappointed once. They receive an annual salary. Sindics have virtually no discretionary powers, and all policy decisions must be approved by the Council as a whole.
Judicial branch
The judicial system is independent. Courts apply the
Political parties and elections
The last election for the General Council was held on 7 April 2019.
April 2019 Andorran General Council election results
Party | PR | Constituency | Total seats |
+/– | |||||
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Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | ||||
Democrats for Andorra–United for Progress | 6,248 | 35.13 | 5 | 5,931 | 34.86 | 6 | 11 | +4 | |
Social Democratic Party of Andorra |
5,445 | 30.62 | 5 | 6,473 | 38.05 | 2 | 7 | +4 | |
Liberal Party of Andorra |
2,219 | 12.48 | 2 | 2 | 4 | –2 | |||
Third Way–Lauredian Union |
1,853 | 10.42 | 2 | 2,122 | 12.47 | 2 | 4 | +2 | |
Social Democracy and Progress | 1,044 | 5.87 | 0 | 1,280 | 7.52 | 0 | 0 | –2 | |
Sovereign Andorra | 825 | 4.64 | 0 | 71 | 0.42 | 0 | 0 | New | |
United for the Progress of Andorra | 149 | 0.84 | 0 | – | – | – | 0 | New | |
Committed Citizens | – | – | – | 1,136 | 6.68 | 2 | 2 | New | |
Invalid/blank votes | 855 | – | – | 1,611 | – | – | – | – | |
Total | 18,638 | 100 | 14 | 18,624 | 100 | 14 | 28 | 0 | |
Registered voters/turnout | 27,278 | 68.33 | – | 27,278 | 68.27 | – | – | – | |
Source: Elections Andorra |
Administrative divisions
Andorra is formed by seven
Security
The Government of Andorra maintains a small ceremonial
Political conditions
This section needs to be updated.(June 2012) |
Andorra's young democracy is in the process of redefining its political party system. Three out of the five parties that dominated the political scene in past years have dissolved. The Liberal Union (UL) tried to reshape itself and change its name to that of the
In recent years the government has instituted many reforms. It legalized political parties and
By creating a modern legal framework for the country, the 1993 constitution has allowed Andorra to begin a shift from an economy based largely on duty-free shopping to one based on international banking and finance.[citation needed] Despite promising new changes, it is likely that Andorra will, at least for the short term, continue to confront a number of difficult issues arising from the large influx of foreign residents and the need to develop modern social and political institutions. In addition to questions of Andorran nationality and immigration policy, other priority issues include allowing freedom of association, dealing with housing scarcities and speculation in real estate, developing the tourism industry, and renegotiating the relationship with the European Union.
References
- ^ "Mn. Josep M. Mauri jura com a nou Representant Personal del Copríncep Episcopal" (in Catalan). 2012-07-20. Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2012-12-18.
External links
- (in Catalan) Official Portal of the Government of Andorra