Andorra la VellaThe president of the Andorra Endavant (AE) parliamentary group, Carine Montaner, has responded forcefully to the accusations of “liar” thrown at her by the leader of the Social Democratic Party (PS), Pere Baró, following her statements about the agreement with the European Union (EU). In a video spread through social networks, Montaner has defended his position, arguing that his positions are based on a thorough and rigorous analysis of the agreement, unlike the accusations he considers unfounded.
Montaner has expressed that, “before calling someone a liar, it is essential to read the dossiers and consult experts on issues as complex as those related to the EU and the immigration model”. “Mr. Baró and his group seem not to have followed these steps,” said Montaner.
The minister states that, on the other hand, from Andorra Endavant they have relied on a cabinet of specialized advisers to offer a grounded view on the agreement with the EU, a study that was publicly presented to more than 400 citizens in March 2024 and which can be consulted on the official website of the parliamentary group (www.grupandorraendavant.info).
Montaner also emphasized that, instead of attacking without foundation, political debates should be based on the exchange of grounded ideas and contrasting facts. “It is essential that politics is not a space for disqualifications, but a forum for collaboration and debate on solid proposals,” said the president of AE.
The leader of Andorra Endavant has criticized that, instead of presenting substantial arguments, Baró and his party have focused on personal accusations, without realizing that “technical knowledge is fundamental in matters as crucial as the agreement with the EU”.
In addition, he added that an artificial intelligence tool has been launched from the AE parliamentary group to answer questions about the EU, which will be operational from January 2025.
Controversy over the benefits of the Agreement with the EU
Pere Baró’s accusations came after Montaner claimed that the agreement with the EU mainly favored the banking and financial sectors. Baró, in response, quipped that if this were true, Montaner would be in favor of the agreement, since he often defends the most powerful and speculative sectors. He emphasized that the PS is in favor of the agreement due to its positive impact in social and labor areas, such as the creation of a salary guarantee fund, improvements in social security and family and work reconciliation. “This, however, seems to be indifferent to Ms. Montaner,” Baró added.
The leader of the PS also insisted that Montaner and some people around him defend the “no” without providing solid arguments, while other sectors opposed to the agreement, such as those of the PS, have clear grounds for their position and are willing to debate constructively on the subject.