Georges Mischo criticises Esch 2022 coordinators

The important information meeting to take place in Esch's theater is eagerly awaited. The two coordinators of the asbl (non-profit) Esch 2022 will update the participating municipalities about the status of the European Capital of Culture project.

Members of the board of directors will also be present to answer the questions from local political leaders. So far, all the municipalities of Luxembourg's south region are taking part in this project, except for Käerjeng (which includes Bascharage, Clemency, Fingig, Hautcharage and Linger). Collaborations with the University of Luxembourg and Unesco have been planned.

In an interview given to Tageblatt ahead of the scheduled information meeting, the president of the Esch 2022 asbl, Georges Mischo, has however strongly criticised the coordinators of the project. At times it feels like 'talking to school children', Mischo said.

Andreas Wagner a Janina Strötgen / © RTL-Archiv

Esch's mayor was referring to the two coordinators, Janina Strötgen and Andreas Wagner, whose contracts are running out in June, and haven't been extended yet. Mischo criticized more particularly the lack of clear responses regarding financial aspects as well as the coordinators' absence during important meetings.

In his incendiary remarks, Mischo referred to a meeting the week before, when the two coordinators admitted to not knowing enough about finances to answer questions adequately.

The two had submitted a provisional budget of €4,965,000. Given the €5 million at their disposal, that leaves a small buffer of only €35,000; hence, any small mistake could drive the asbl into deficit, Mischo complained.

Mischo also raised concerns about accommodation for visitors as the South doesn't have the needed infrastructure. A question that the two coordinators had left unanswered.