Demòcrates to renew executive at 10th Congress; Espot to step down

Demòcrates will hold its 10th Ordinary Congress on Saturday morning at the Hotel Yomo Cèntric in Andorra la Vella, starting at 9:30 and expected to run through the morning. The central agenda item is the renewal of the party’s national Executive: members will elect a new leadership to replace the current board led by head of government Xavier Espot, who has headed the formation for six years and will step down from the Executive.

As announced by the party, ministers Ladislau Baró and Guillem Casal, together with vice-president Maria Martisella, are set to take the three principal posts as part of a planned refoundation ahead of the next elections. Baró is slated for president, Casal for secretary general and Martisella for secretary of organisation. Those leaving the Executive include Xavier Espot, Vicenç Mateu and Ester Vilarrubla. One of the incoming leaders is expected to be named the party’s lead candidate.

Delegates will also debate and vote on four strategic motions prepared by different party areas. The texts address culture, institutions and identity; the sustainability of the pension system; innovation and economic diversification, focused on the National Plan for Innovation; and manageable, sustainable growth. Presenters include minister and government representative to the Executive Mònica Bonell (culture, institutions and identity); Manel Amorim of the Young Section and the party’s communications secretary (pensions); Jordi Serracanta, communal councillor of Ordino and member of Acció Comunal d’Ordino (innovation and diversification); and general councillor Berna Coma (manageable growth).

Each motion will be presented, opened to discussion and may be amended by the membership before a final vote. Party officials say the motions are intended to define Demòcrates’ strategic lines across government, the General Council and the communes as the formation prepares for the immediate political future.