Approximately 1,500 people took to the streets in Andorra, calling for solutions to the housing crisis

The demonstration held on May 16, 2026, in Andorra brought together approximately 1,500 people, marking the largest public protest in the principality’s history. The first demonstrators began gathering around 7:00 p.m. at the KM0 roundabout, and half an hour later, with around 300 people assembled at the starting point and dozens of banners prepared, the march proceeded through the central streets of the capital, Andorra la Vella, before concluding outside the government building. Participants included families with children, young people, and elderly residents of the principality. They carried banners reading “Espot tururú, a la Seu te’n vas tu” (“Espot, off you go – move to La Seu yourself,” referring to Xavier Espot, the head of government of Andorra, and La Seu d’Urgell, the Spanish border town where housing is considerably cheaper); “Govern desperta! El poble està en alerta” (“Government, wake up! Еhe people are on alert”); and “Andorra és casa meva i no vull marxar” (“Andorra is my home, and I do not want to leave”). Demonstrators also chanted “Ni gent sense casa, ni casa sense gent” (“No people without homes, and no homes without people”). The same slogan had previously been shouted by crowds during the official address delivered by Xavier Espot in the main square during the visit of Emmanuel Macron, President of France and co-prince of Andorra, to the principality on April 28, 2026. The protest drew significant attention from tourists, as well as employees of shops, cafés, restaurants, and other businesses open on Saturday, many of whom stopped to watch the march pass through the city. Several local politicians were also seen among the participants. Demonstrators spoke openly with the press, describing how ordinary families can no longer afford either to rent decent housing or purchase property through a mortgage. Many young people, they said, no longer even consider moving out of their parents’ homes, as affordable housing for citizens has effectively disappeared from the market. Seasonal workers also joined the demonstration, with some saying this may be their final year in the country due to the impossibility of securing reasonably priced accommodation. Current rental prices reportedly reach around €1,500 per month for small apartments in older residential buildings, while the average monthly salary in Andorra barely exceeds €2,000. The mobilization proceeded without incident and under the supervision of several police officers, who monitored and guided the march along its designated route. Traffic was temporarily suspended on the streets through which the demonstrators advanced. At approximately 8:30 p.m., the main body of protesters arrived outside the government building, where dozens more people continued to join the rally. By 9:00 p.m., the demonstration concluded with loud applause from the crowd and renewed calls for urgent measures to guarantee access to decent and affordable housing.The post Approximately 1,500 people took to the streets in Andorra, calling for solutions to the housing crisis first appeared on All PYRENEES.