Andorra

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Andorra Image File history File links Coat_of_arms_of_Andorra. ...

Constitution Co-Princes President Sarkozy of France Bishop Vives of Urgell Prime Minister Albert Pintat General Council Political parties Elections: 2005 Parishes Foreign relations

Other countries · Politics Portal view • talk • edit

Politics of Andorra takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic country, whereby the Prime Minister of Andorra is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. This is a list of Co-Princes of Andorra. ... Nicolas Sarkozy   (born Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa on 28 January 1955 in Paris, France) is the President-Elect of France after defeating Socialist Party leader Ségolène Royal during the 2007 election. ... Joan Enric Vives i Sicília (born July 24, 1949) is the current Bishop of Urgell and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. ... Urgell is one of the historical Catalan counties, bordering on the counties of Pallars and Cerdanya. ... The Prime Minister of Andorra (or Cap de Govern) is the head of government of the Principality of Andorra. ... Albert Pintat Santolària (born 23 June 1943) is the executive council president (head of government) of Andorra. ... The General Council of the Valleys (in Catalan, Consell General de les Valls) is the unicameral parliament of Andorra. ... A political party is a political organization subscribing to a certain ideology or formed around very special issues with the aim to participate in power, usually by participating in elections. ... Elections in Andorra gives information on election and election results in Andorra. ... Andorra held elections for its 28-seat General Council on 24 April 2004. ... Andorra consists of seven communities known as parishes (parròquies, singular - parròquia). ... Since the establishment of sovereignty with the ratification of the constitution in 1993, Andorra has moved to become an active member of the international community. ... Information on politics by country is available for every country, including both de jure and de facto independent states, inhabited dependent territories, as well as areas of special sovereignty. ... A parliamentary system, also known as parliamentarianism (and parliamentarism in U.S. English), is distinguished by the executive branch of government being dependent on the direct or indirect support of the parliament, often expressed through a vote of confidence. ... Representative democracy is a form of democracy founded on the exercise of popular sovereignty by the peoples representatives. ... In political geography and international politics a country is a geographical entity, a territory, most commonly associated with the notions of state or nation. ... The Prime Minister of Andorra (or Cap de Govern) is the head of government of the Principality of Andorra. ... The Head of Government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the executive is the branch of a government charged with implementing, or executing, the law. ... A legislature is a governmental deliberative body with the power to adopt laws. ... The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      In law, the judiciary or judicial is the system of courts which administer justice in the name of the sovereign or state, a mechanism for the resolution of disputes. ...

Until very recently, Andorra's political system had no clear division of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches. A constitution was ratified and approved in 1993. The constitution establishes Andorra as a sovereign parliamentary democracy that retains as its heads of state a co-principality (or duumvirate), but the head of government retains executive power. The two co-princes serve coequally with limited powers that do not include a veto over government acts. They are represented in Andorra by a delegate. 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... A principality is a monarchical feudatory or sovereign state, ruled or reigned over by a Monarch with the title of prince or princess (a synonym is princedom) or (in the widest sense) a Monarch with another title within the generic use of the term prince. ... A duumvirate is an alliance between two equally powerful political or military leaders. ... The Head of Government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

The fundamental impetus for this political transformation was a recommendation by the Council of Europe in 1990 that, if Andorra wished to attain full integration in the European Union (EU), it should adopt a modern constitution which guarantees the rights of those living and working there. A Tripartite Commission--made up of representatives of the co-princes, the General Council, and the Executive Council--was formed in 1990 and finalized the draft constitution in April 1991, making the new Constitution of Andorra a fact. Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral)  ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers  official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 6 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders  -  Secretary General  Terry Davis  -  Commissioner for Human Rights   Establishment  -  Treaty of London May... MCMXC redirects here; for the Enigma album, see MCMXC a. ... MCMXC redirects here; for the Enigma album, see MCMXC a. ... 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The flag, made official in the Constitution of 1993. ...

One remaining, though symbolic, legacy of Andorra's special relationship with France and Spain, is the fact that the Principality still has no postal service of its own- French and Spanish postal services operate side by side, although each issues separate stamps for Andorra, instead of using their own.

Executive branch

Under the new 1993 constitution, the co-princes continue as heads of state, but the head of government retains executive power. The two co-princes serve coequally with limited powers that do not include veto over government acts. Both are represented in Andorra by a delegate, although since 1993, both France and Spain have their own Embassies. As co-princes of Andorra, the President of France and the Bishop of La Seu d'Urgell maintain supreme authority in approval of all international treaties with France and Spain, as well as all those which deal with internal security, defense, Andorran territory, diplomatic representation, and judicial or penal cooperation. Although the institution of the co-princes is viewed by some as an anachronism, the majority sees them as both a link with Andorra's traditions and a way to balance the power of Andorra's two much larger neighbors. The way in which the two princes are chosen makes Andorra one of the most politically distinct nations on earth. One co-Prince is the man or woman who is currently serving as President of France, currently Nicolas Sarkozy (it has historically been any Head of State of France, including Kings and Emperors of the French). The other is the current Catholic bishop of the Catalan city of La Seu d'Urgell, currently Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia. As neither prince lives in Andorra their role is almost entirely ceremonial. 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... The President of France, known officially as the President of the Republic (Président de la République in French), is Frances elected Head of State. ... The Diocese of Urgell is a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical unit in Catalonia, Spain with origins in the fifth century AD or possibly earlier. ... The term prince, from the Latin root princeps, is used for a member of the highest ranks of the aristocracy or the nobility. ... The President of France, known officially as the President of the Republic (Président de la République in French), is Frances elected Head of State. ... Nicolas Sarkozy   (born Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa on 28 January 1955 in Paris, France) is the President-Elect of France after defeating Socialist Party leader Ségolène Royal during the 2007 election. ... This article is about a title or office in religious bodies. ... Anthem: Capital Barcelona Official language(s) Catalan,Spanish and Aranese. ... La Seu dUrgell is the capital of the comarca of Alt Urgell, in the province of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. ... Joan Enric Vives i Sicília Categories: People stubs | 1949 births | Catalan people | Bishops ...

In 1981, the Executive Council, consisting of the Cap de Govern (head of government) and seven ministers, was established. Every 4 years, after the general elections, the General Council elects the head of government, who, in turn, chooses the other members of the Executive Council. 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Prime Minister of Andorra (or Cap de Govern) is the head of government of the Principality of Andorra. ...

This is a list of Co-Princes of Andorra. ... Nicolas Sarkozy   (born Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa on 28 January 1955 in Paris, France) is the President-Elect of France after defeating Socialist Party leader Ségolène Royal during the 2007 election. ... // Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (20 December 1848 - 2 December 1852) Louis Jules Trochu (September 4, 1870 - January 22, 1871) (Interim President) Adolphe Thiers (17 February 1871 - 24 May 1873) (Head of Executive Power to 31 August 1871) Marshal Patrice de Mac-Mahon (24 May 1873 - 30 January 1879) Jules Armand... The Union for a Popular Movement (Union pour un Mouvement Populaire, UMP), initially named the Union for the Presidential Majority (Union pour la Majorité Présidentielle), is the main French conservative political party. ... May 16 is the 136th day of the year (137th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Joan Enric Vives i Sicília Categories: People stubs | 1949 births | Catalan people | Bishops ... The Bishop of Urgell is the Roman Catholic bishop for Urgell in Catalonia, Spain and also the ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. ... La Seu dUrgell is the capital of the comarca of Alt Urgell, in the province of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. ... May 12 is the 132nd day of the year (133rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Albert Pintat Santolària (born 23 June 1943) is the executive council president (head of government) of Andorra. ... This article is part of or related to the Liberalism series Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Andorran political parties ... May 27 is the 147th day of the year (148th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... May 17 is the 137th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (138th in leap years). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Legislative branch

Andorra's main legislative body is the 28-member General Council (Parliament). The sindic (president), the subsindic and the members of the Council are elected in the general elections to be held every 4 years. The Council meets throughout the year on certain dates set by tradition or as required. The General Council of the Valleys (in Catalan, Consell General de les Valls) is the unicameral parliament of Andorra. ...

At least one representative from each parish must be present for the General Council to meet. Historically, within the General Council, four deputies apiece from each of the seven individual parishes have provided representation. This system allowed the smaller parishes, who have as few as 350 voters, the same number of representatives as larger parishes which have up to 2,600 voters. To correct this imbalance, a provision in the new constitution introduces a modification of the structure and format for electing the members of the Council; under this new format, half of the representatives are to be chosen by the traditional system, while the other half are selected from nationwide lists.

A sindic and a subsindic are chosen by the General Council to implement its decisions. They serve 3-year terms and may be reappointed once. They receive an annual salary. Sindics have virtually no discretionary powers, and all policy decisions must be approved by the Council as a whole.

Political parties and elections

For other political parties see List of political parties in Andorra. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Andorra.

More info: Andorran parliamentary election, 2005

A political party is a political organization subscribing to a certain ideology or formed around very special issues. ... A political party is a political organization subscribing to a certain ideology or formed around very special issues with the aim to participate in power, usually by participating in elections. ... An election is a decision making process whereby people vote for preferred political candidates or parties to act as representatives in government. ... Elections in Andorra gives information on election and election results in Andorra. ... The General Council of the Valleys (in Catalan, Consell General de les Valls) is the unicameral parliament of Andorra. ... This article is part of or related to the Liberalism series Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Andorran political parties ... The Social Democratic Party (Partit Socialdemòcrata) is a political party in Andorra. ... The Andorran Democratic Centre (Centre Demòcrata Andorrà) is a political party in Andorra. ... Century 21 (Segle 21) is a political party in Andorra. ... The Democratic Renewal ([Renovació Democràtica) is a political party in Andorra. ... The Greens of Andorra (Els Verds dAndorra) is a political party in Andorra. ... Andorra held elections for its 28-seat General Council on 24 April 2004. ...

Judicial branch

The judicial system is independent. Courts apply the customary laws of Andorra, supplemented with Roman law and customary Catalan law. Civil cases are first heard by the battles court--a group of four judges, two chosen by each co-prince. Appeals are heard in the Court of Appeals. The highest body is the five-member Superior Court of Justice.

Administrative divisions

Andorra is divided into 7 parishes (parròquies, singular - parròquia); Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Escaldes-Engordany, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria A parish is a type of administrative subdivision. ... Andorra la Vella by morning Andorra la Vella (2004 est. ... Categories: Geography stubs ... Encamp is one of the parishes of Andorra, located on the Riu River. ... The Parish of La Massana lies in the northwest of Andorra. ... Escaldes-Engordany is one of the parishes of Andorra. ... Categories: Europe geography stubs ... Categories: Europe geography stubs ...

Defense

Andorra has no defense forces and only a small internal police force. All able-bodied men who own firearms must serve, without remuneration, in the small army, which is unique in that all of its men are treated as officers. The army has not fought for more than 700 years, and its main responsibility is to present the Andorran flag at official ceremonies.

Political conditions

Andorra's young democracy is in the process of redefining its political party system. Three out of the five parties that dominated the political scene in past years have dissolved. The Liberal Union or UL, (current head of government Forn's party) is trying to reshape itself and change its name to that of the Liberal Party of Andorra (PLA), thus offering a political umbrella to small parties and groups that have not yet found their place. Another party by the name of the Social Democratic Party has been formed and is designed to attract parties previously aligned with socialist ideals. Given the number of parties and Andorra's relative size, no one party controls the General Council; therefore, legislative majorities arise through coalitions. Since the 1993 constitutional ratification, three coalition governments have formed. The current government unites the UL, the CNA (National Andorran Coalition), and another relatively small party with Marc Forné Molné, a Liberal Unionist, as Cap de Govern, or head of government. This article is part of or related to the Liberalism series Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Andorran political parties ... The Social Democratic Party (Partit Socialdemòcrata) is a political party in Andorra. ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... Marc Forné Molné Marc Forné i Molné (born December 30, 1946) was the Head of Government of Andorra from 7 December 1994 to May 27, 2005. ... The Prime Minister of Andorra (or Cap de Govern) is the head of government of the Principality of Andorra. ...

The government has continued to address many long-awaited reforms. In addition to legalizing political parties and trade unions for the first time, freedom of religion and assembly also have been legally guaranteed. Most significant has been a redefinition of the qualifications for Andorran citizenship, a major issue in a country where only 13,000 of 65,000 are legal citizens. In 1995, a law to broaden citizenship was passed but citizenship remains hard to acquire, with only Andorran nationals being able to transmit citizenship automatically to their children. Lawful residents in Andorra may obtain citizenship after 25 years of residency. Children of residents may opt for Andorran citizenship after age 18 if they resided virtually all of their lives in Andorra. Mere birth on Andorran soil does not confer citizenship. Dual nationality is not permitted. Noncitizens are allowed to own only a 33% share of a company. Only after they have resided in the country for 20 years, will they be entitled to own a 100% of a company. A proposed law to reduce the necessary years from 20 to 10 is being debated in Parliament. 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

By creating a modern legal framework for the country, the 1993 constitution has allowed Andorra to begin a shift from an economy based largely on duty-free shopping to one based on international banking and finance. Despite promising new changes, it is likely that Andorra will, at least for the short term, continue to confront a number of difficult issues arising from the large influx of foreign residents and the need to develop modern social and political institutions. In addition to questions of Andorran nationality and immigration policy, other priority issues will include allowing freedom of association, dealing with housing scarcities and speculation in real state, developing the tourist industry and renegotiating the relationship with the European Union.

A secessionist movement exists, based at Pas de la Casa. This has only limited support. The Front Envaliran de Libération proposes a state in association with France. The pass and resort, looking towards France The pass El Pas de la Casa is a ski resort and mountain pass in Andorra, lying on the border with France. ... The Front Envaliran de Libération is an Andorran secessionist movement with limited local support in Pas de la Casa. ...

International organization participation

CoE, ECE, ICC, ICRM, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OSCE, UN, UNESCO, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WToO Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral)  ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers  official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 6 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders  -  Secretary General  Terry Davis  -  Commissioner for Human Rights   Establishment  -  Treaty of London May... The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE or ECE) was established in 1947 to encourage economic cooperation among its member states. ... Official logo of the ICC. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established in 2002 as a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, crime of aggression, and war crimes, as defined by several international agreements, most prominently the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. ... The Red Cross and the Red Crescent emblems, the symbols from which the Movement derives its name. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Alternative meanings at IOC (disambiguation) The International Olympic Committee is an organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894 to reinstate the Ancient Olympic Games held in Greece, and organize this sports event every four years. ... The International Telecommunication Union (ITU; French: Union internationale des télécommunications, Spanish: Unión Internacional de Telecomunicaciones) is an international organization established to standardize and regulate international radio and telecommunications. ... The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an international organization for security. ... The foundation of the U.N. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate co-operation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress and human rights issues. ... UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1945. ... The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an intergovernmental organization that helps Members (currently Customs administrations from 169 countries) communicate and co-operate on customs issues. ... The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. ... The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, and has as its core objectives the promotion of creative intellectual activity and the facilitation of the transfer of technology related to intellectual property to the developing countries in order to accelerate economic, social... The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is a UN agency dealing with questions relating to tourism. ...

External

• Official Portal of the Government of Andorra (in Catalan)