1999 Scores

Status: Free
Freedom Rating: 1.0
Civil Liberties: 1
Political Rights: 1

Overview

Andorra, after being ruled jointly since 1278 by the French state and the Spanish bishops of Urgel, acquired independence and adopted its first constitution in 1993. The new constitution defines Andorra as an independent"parliamentary co-principality" in which sovereignty is vested in the people (that is Andorran citizens), although the Spanish and French co-princes remain joint heads of state, with limited and largely symbolic powers.

Andorran politics is dominated by five major parties. Four of them governed in coalition until early 1997, when the Liberal Union party won 18 of the 28 general council (parliament) seats. Marc Forne Molne of the Liberal Union is currently serving as head of the cabinet of ministers (executive council).

Andorra has no national currency, but circulates French francs and Spanish pesetas. By virtue of its association with Spain and France, Andorra has also adopted the euro, despite not being a member of the European Monetary Union. In 1991, Andorra established a customs union with the European Union (EU) that permits free movement of industrial goods. The co-principality became a member of the United Nations in 1993 and a member of the Council of Europe in 1994.

With the creation of the EU internal market, Andorra lost its privileged duty-free status and is suffering an economic recession. Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's economy, accounts for about 80 percent of gross domestic product.

Political Rights and Civil Liberties

Andorrans can change their government democratically. The sindic (president), subsindic, and the 28 members of the general council are elected in general elections held every four years. The new constitution mandates that half of the representatives be elected by parish and half selected from nationwide lists.

The constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press. The domestic press consists of two daily and several weekly newspapers. There are two radio stations, one state-owned and the other privately owned, as well as six television stations. Several French and Spanish stations can be reached in Andorra.

The Roman Catholic Church is guaranteed the "preservation of the relations of special cooperation with the State in accordance with the Andorran tradition." The church, however, is not subsidized by the government. The practice of other religions is respected, but subject to some limitations.

There are no limitations on domestic or foreign travel, emigration, or repatriation. Andorra has a tradition of providing asylum for refugees, although it has no formal asylum policy. Requests are considered on an individual basis.

The constitution recognizes the right of all persons to form trade union associations. Strikes were illegal under the old system, and the new constitution does not state explicitly that strikes are permitted. Although discrimination against unions is not prohibited under the law, no trade unions have been established formally.

The country's judiciary is independent, and the legal system is based on the French and Spanish civil codes. Citizens enjoy the right to due process, the presumption of innocence, and the right to legal counsel, including free counsel for the indigent.

Women were enfranchised in 1970, and in 1973 they were permitted to stand for public office. There are no legal barriers to political participation by women, although social conservatism continues to limit their involvement in politics. The recently established Association of Andorran Women actively promotes women's issues through education and outreach.

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.