Political disputes arise over language use in Andorra and social media blocking in Spain

In Andorra, social media influencer Clàudia Cunill has criticized the Encamp municipal government after discovering that an automated system at a communal parking lot used French instead of Catalan. Cunill, a member of the Social Democratic Party, highlighted that the machines greeted users with messages such as ‘Bienvenue, prenez le ticket’ and ‘Bon voyage’. She argued that public administrations should lead by example in respecting the country’s official language laws, especially as residents and businesses are required to adapt to Catalan.

In Spain, residents of Llançà have accused Mayor Núria Escarpanter i Olivet of blocking numerous users on Facebook and Instagram. The allegations suggest that citizens were restricted after posting criticisms regarding local issues such as street maintenance, cleanliness, and security. While blocking individuals on personal accounts does not constitute legal censorship, the controversy has gained traction because the mayor uses these profiles to communicate institutional decisions and municipal actions.