Progressistes‑SDP unanimously adopts five strategic position papers at General Assembly

Progressistes‑SDP held its General Assembly at the weekend, where delegates debated and unanimously approved five strategic position papers setting out the party’s stance on institutions, the economy, territorial planning and social welfare. Attendees also received the party’s activity and financial reports and heard a detailed analysis of the State Pact on an Association Agreement with the European Union from party president Jaume Bartumeu.

Bartumeu described the proposed association agreement as legally mixed and warned that denying that status risks straining relations with France. He said President Emmanuel Macron and the French constitutional framework make dual ratification by the EU and national parliaments unavoidable. Bartumeu criticised the Andorran government’s line and Secretary of State for European Affairs Landry Riba for continuing to argue the accord is not mixed and for seeking exceptional treatment for microstates, calling that approach “inviable” and saying it creates an unnecessary institutional embarrassment and diplomatic risk. The party urged a prudent, responsible and respectful posture toward EU member states.

On economic and social policy, the assembly backed a shift away from a subsidy‑based model toward incentives that reward companies that guarantee decent real wages. A proposal by Najim Aouraghe and Josep Roig would establish a corporate wage‑bonuses regime offering progressive deductions in corporate tax for firms that raise real wages, together with complementary support measures for small businesses. The papers frame the change as moving from an assistential model to one designed to secure greater household autonomy while emphasising fiscal sustainability and linking public support to verifiable wage outcomes.

Bartumeu also presented a proposal for a ten‑year public debt amortisation plan focused on tighter spending controls, fiscal sustainability and prioritisation of structural investments. The plan would combine progressive expenditure management with targeted capital spending intended to bolster long‑term economic resilience.

Health was highlighted as a central policy area. Delegates reviewed results from the National Health Survey 2024 showing increases in obesity, sedentary behaviour, mental‑health problems and widening inequalities, trends the party said could further strain the system. Alain Mateu called for strengthening the National Health Pact, stepping up preventive measures, prioritising mental health, and creating a public dashboard of unified health indicators to enable earlier, evidence‑based interventions.

Territorial and urban planning featured prominently in a paper by Elisabet Zoppetti, which criticised rapid densification and the proliferation of luxury towers in central Escaldes‑Engordany, particularly at the Clot d’Emprivat site. The party called for an urgent review of the municipal urban plan (POUP), stricter limits on building height and volumetry, and mandatory measures to protect public space. Specific proposals include requiring at least 33% of new housing to be affordable rental units and a minimum 50% land cession for public use and green areas in major developments.

On commercial promotion, Cristina Montolio proposed a fairer, more decentralised model to redirect support away from the main central retail axis (Meritxell–Carlemany–Vivand) and distribute resources across all parishes. Her proposals include objective planning criteria and performance indicators, involvement of local institutions, and promotion of the Catalan language and Andorran cultural identity in commercial communication. The aim is to strengthen the local commercial fabric, increase participation and foster balanced economic development nationwide.

All five strategic papers were approved unanimously. The party presented the package as a reorientation toward sustainable public finances, better quality housing and urban environments, stronger preventive health policies, and an economic model that ties public support to real wage outcomes while maintaining market‑friendly principles.