Andorra - Government Profile
Overview of the Country’s Political Framework and Structure - 2008
Prior to the approval of Andorra’s Constitution, the country’s political system had no clear division of powers between the three branches of government. The Council of Europe recommended the adoption of a modern constitution if Andorra wished to attain full integration in the European Union.
Political System
The Principality of Andorra is considered a parliamentary representative democracy, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Andorra la Vella. The country originally obtained its independence in 1278, under the joint suzerainty of the French Count of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Urgel. The national holiday is Our Lady of Meritxell Day, celebrated on September 8.
Andorra's first written constitution was approved by referendum on March 14, 1993 and became effective April 28 of the same year. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.
Administrative Regions
The Principality of Andorra consists of seven parishes (parroquies):
- Andorra la Vella
- Canillo
- Encamp
- Escaldes-Engordany
- La Massana
- Ordino
- Sant Julia de Loria
Executive Branch
The office of Andorra's chief of state is a dual responsibility, currently held by French Co-prince Nicolas Sarkozy and Spanish Co-prince Bishop Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia. Sarkozy assumed his position on May 16, 2007 and is represented by Philippe Massoni, the French prefect since July 26, 2002. Vives i Sicilia, the Catholic bishop to the Catalan city La Seu d'Urgell, assumed his position on May 12, 2003, and is personally represented by Nemesi Marques i Oste.
The head of government is the Executive Council President, elected by the General Council and appointed by the co-princes for a four year term. Albert Pintat Santolaria, the current Executive Council President, began his official duties on May 27, 2005.
Established in 1981, the Executive Council consists of the head of government (Cap de Govern) and several ministers. All ministers of the cabinet are appointed by the Executive Council President. The current ministers are:
- Culture and Higher Education - Juli Minoves Triquell
- Education, Professional Training, Youth and Sports - Roser Bastida Areny
- Finance - Ferran Mirapeix Lucas
- Foreign Affairs - Meritxell Mateu Pi
- Health, Welfare, Family and Housing - Montserrat Gil Torné
- Justice and the Interior - Antoni Riberaygua Sasplugas
- Tourism and Environment - no minister
- Treasury and Agriculture - Joel Font Coma
- Urban Planning and Territorial Ordering - Xavier Jordana Rossell
Legislative Branch
The Andorran General Council of the Valleys (Consell General de las Valls) is a unicameral body consisting of 28 officials. Members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four year terms. Half the members are from a single national constituency and the other half represent the seven parishes.
The current structure of the General Council, by political party is (number of seats):
- Liberal Party of Andorra (PLA) - 14
- Social Democratic Party (PS) - 12
- Coalition of Andorran Democratic Center Party and Century 21 (CDA-S21) - 2
Judicial Branch
The country’s judicial branch consists of the Tribunal of Judges, Tribunal of the Courts, Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra, Supreme Council of Justice, Fiscal Ministry and Constitutional Tribunal.
Legal System
The Andorran legal system is based on French and Spanish civil codes, and does not allow for judicial review of legislative acts. The country has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.
References
Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.
Government of Andorra Web Portal.
