Andorra Endavant opposes DA’s model of importing labour from Africa: “We have opposing visions”

The president of the Andorra Endavant parliamentary group, Carine Montaner, has responded to La Veu Lliure following recent statements about the future of immigration in Andorra, distancing her party from the approach defended by the president of the Management Committee of the Jubilee Reserve Fund, Jordi Cinca.

The former minister predicted that the African continent will become one of the Principality’s main sources of labour in the coming years.

Montaner argues that this approach reflects a different immigration model from the one defended by her party and says that Democrats for Andorra (DA) is opting to look towards Africa to meet the country’s labour needs.

«We note that DA intends to turn to the African continent to meet Andorra’s labour needs», the leader of Andorra Endavant said.

In contrast, Montaner advocates a selective immigration policy based on the needs of the Andorran economy and on workers’ contribution to the country.

«We, Andorra Endavant, support selective immigration based on talent, qualifications and added value», she said.

“Two immigration models. Two opposing visions of the country!”

The Andorra Endavant leader sums up the difference between the two positions as a question of the country's broader model.

«Two immigration models. Two opposing visions of the country!», Montaner declared.

Her remarks come after Jordi Cinca argued that falling birth rates and an ageing population will force Andorra to continue relying on foreign workers to maintain its economy and ensure the sustainability of pensions and public services.

The former minister also suggested that, in the coming years, European and Western countries could increasingly turn to Africa as one of their main sources of labour, as countries that have traditionally supplied workers to Andorra lose part of their capacity to do so.

Montaner, however, proposes a different strategy. Andorra Endavant does not question the need for foreign labour, but rather the immigration model, arguing that the arrival of new workers should be selective, prioritising profiles with talent, qualifications and the ability to generate added value.

Montaner further outlined Andorra Endavant’s position, stressing that her party’s vision of the country is «light years away» from what she believes DA represents.

«We defend an orderly Andorra that attracts talent and values those who work, undertake business and open their doors every morning», she said.

In this regard, she advocates an immigration policy aimed at attracting talent and workers for companies operating in high-added-value sectors, in contrast with a DA immigration model that her party «does not share».

«Light years apart: two immigration models, two models of the country», she insisted, summarising her proposal around three principles: order, talent and respect for those who build Andorra every day.