Co-Princes of Andorra - Recent History

Recent History

On July 12, 1934, Andorra's monarchial system was challenged by an adventurer named Boris Skossyreff, who issued a proclamation in Urgel declaring himself "Boris I, King of Andorra". Though initially enjoying some support within Andorra's political establishment, he was ultimately arrested by Spanish authorities on July 20 of that year after declaring war on the Bishop of Urgell (who had refused to relinquish his own claim to the principality). Skossyfreff was expelled, and was never considered to have been the Andorran monarch in any legal sense.

Prior to 1993, Andorra had no written constitution, and the exact prerogatives of the co-princes were not specifically defined in law. This changed in March of that year, when a constitution was approved by a vote of the Andorran people and signed into law by the two co-princes at the time: President François Mitterrand and Bishop Joan Martí Alanis. It clarified the continuance of the unique Andorran monarchy, and also delineated the precise role and prerogatives of the two princes. Prior to adoption of the constitution, Andorra paid in odd-numbered years a tribute of approximately $460 to the French ruler, while on even-numbered years, it paid a tribute of approximately $12 to the Spanish bishop, plus six hams, six cheeses, and six live chickens. This medieval custom was abandoned in 1993.

In 2009, French president Nicolas Sarkozy threatened to abdicate as Andorran Co-prince if the principality did not change its banking laws to eliminate its longstanding status as a tax haven.