By Baron Henri Estramant.
A reception was held at Brussels Gothic City Hall on 16 March 2015 to commemorate the adoption of the Andorran constitution after a referendum which took place on 14 March 1993. The very first carta magna for the principality came into force on 28 April 1993 after its publication in the Butlletí Oficial del Principat d’Andorra.
Article 1 of the Andorran Constitution lays out the form of state, namely a constitutional monarchy in the form of a “co-principality” with the Bishop of Urgell (based in Catalonia) and the French President formally, and jointly sharing the headship of state. This is a unique arrangement worldwide having its origins in Andorran medieval history.
For a photo-album of this event, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157649336597154/
The incumbent co-princes are The Most Reverend Archbishop Joan Enric Vives i Sicília, Episcopal Co-Prince and François Hollande as the “French” Co-Prince. For both co-princes live outsides the boundaries of the principality they have appointed “personal representatives”; M Thierry Lataste is the one for the French Co-Prince whereas Priest Josep Maria Mauri represents the Episcopal Co-Prince.
Article 2 of the Andorran constitution states that Andorra’s official language is Catalan; making it the only country in the world wherein Catalan enjoys that status solely.
The actual National Day of Andorra is fêted annually with folklore on 8 September, the feast of the Lady of Meritxell, virgin protector of the principality. The reception in Brussels was preceded by a concert of the National Classical Orchestra of Andorra.
Andorra’s mission in Brussels is headed by HE Ambassador Eva Descarrega García. She is accredited to the Benelux countries, the EU, the Federal Republic of Germany and Slovenia.
For more information:
Andorran Constitution: http://www.consellgeneral.ad/en/the-general-council/constitution-of-the-principality-of-andorra
Episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra: http://www.bisbaturgell.org/
French Co-Prince: http://www.coprince-fr.ad/ca/
