Andorra la VellaThe Consul Major of Encamp, Laura Mashas expressed his discomfort with the successive border restrictions with Franceduring an interview on the program Today will be a good day of Ràdio Nacional d’Andorra, directed by Gabi Fernàndez, this Friday, December 20.
The consul has described as excessive the decision to close the road between Pas de la Casa and France last December 7 due to the forecast of snow. “I felt very bad not because of prevention, I understand that all measures are taken for prevention, but I think that Pas de la Casa did not have an abnormal snowfall, the snowfall was very normal. There was no ice excessive for the road to be closed,” he noted.
But he showed concern for the economic impact of these measures in a parish so dependent on trade and tourism: “El Pas de la Casa represents approximately 25% of the country’s GDP. Road closures should only be for serious safety issues and not as an ongoing preventative measure. This directly affects businesses and the economy.”
The closure on December 7, announced by the French authorities due to the forecast of snow and strong winds, left Pas de la Casa virtually empty before 3 p.m. Traders missed a key Saturday of the winter season, and the decision was criticized by Pas establishments, as weather conditions were not as adverse as expected.
Mas’s concern is also framed by other recent road closures on the RN20 road. Last December 12, the road was temporarily blocked by a wild boar and deer raid, organized by hunters with state collaboration to reduce the risk of traffic accidents.
In the interview with Gabi Fernàndez, Mas emphasized that “access to a country should not be constantly interrupted” and insisted that these situations be managed with more restrictive criteria and in cases of extreme need.
Government maintains dialogue with France
The Government of Andorra has assured that it is still in contact with the French authorities to improve coordination and minimize cuts at the border. In the meantime, drivers are advised to plan alternate routes in case of adverse conditions.
Laura Mas’ statements highlight the growing concern for the economic future of Pas de la Casa, especially in winter, when the influx of tourists is essential for the proper functioning of commerce and the hotel sector.