How the political system works in Andorra

Andorra on paper is a principality, but in fact, it is a progressive European country with very developed branches of government. The political system of Andorra has the definition of a parliamentary principality. This means that the heads of state are two people at once.

The government of the country is the Prime Minister and various ministers who perform a number of functions that are standard for the administrative apparatus: they are engaged in foreign and inland policy, plan the budget, regulate various issues of state administration and develop laws that are submitted to parliament (General Council). It turns out that the legislative power lies at the disposal of the General Council, and the executive belongs to the government of the country. The General Council consists of one chamber, which includes 28 people, but can include up to 42.

For all positions within the country, elections are held every 4 years. It is necessarily to that men from each parish should be representatives in parliament. Half of them are selected there by the usual system, and half are selected from the national lists.

The entire territory of Andorra is divided into administrative units, communities, which are called parrocs. There are seven of these communities: Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra la Vella, Canillo, La Massana, Sant Julia de Loria, Encamp and Ordino, each of them has its own institute of self-government, each of them has a consul and full administrative an apparatus that fully deals with all issues that relate to self-government: budget, politics, balance sheet management. Communal elections are held together with parliamentary elections.

Back in 1278, a pact was signed between Spain and France, according to which Andorra equally belonged to both of these states. The document also provided details on taxation, chapters and the purpose of various institutions of government. In 1993, when the Constitution of Andorra was adopted, instead of the governors, the embassies of these countries appeared in Andorra, which still retain some powers here. So, among other things, co-rulers have the right to call voters for elections, approve and publish laws, and accredit diplomatic governments.

The judicial system in Andorra is independent and transparent and operates in accordance with the law. Civil cases are heard by the Tribunal Court, which consists of 4 judges. Appeals are filed and dealt with in the Court of Appeal. The highest judicial body is the Supreme Court, which has 5 members. There is no regular army in Andorra, but there is the police force. However, if a man has a firearm, then they are obliged to serve in the army free of charge. The good news is that at the moment it only obliges to represent the Principality of Andorra at various events and parades. For this, he automatically receives an officer's rank, so that there is not a single soldier in the local army.

If you have any questions regarding moving or traveling to the Principality of Andorra, you are interested in what political aspects to pay attention to, what documents you need, and other related questions, then be sure to write to us and we will answer you.