Esch 2022: Strötgen and Wagner to stay?

As reported by RTL in a previous article on 29 March, a critical meeting regarding the European Capital of Culture project, Esch 2022, took place last Wednesday evening. Prior to the meeting, George Mischo, President of the Esch 2022 absl (non-profit organisation), and Mayor of Esch, had created something of a stir during an interview with Tageblatt, in which he had been heavily critical of two of the project coordinators.

In the end, however, it transpired during the meeting that a number of officials actually defended the extension of the mandates of both Janina Strötgen and Andreas Wagner. Those who spoke in favour of the two coordinators included the two vice-presidents of the Board of Directors of the asbl, as well as the Mayor of Dudelange, Dan Biancalana, and the Mayor of Differdange, Roberto Traversini.

Speaking to RTL last Thursday, Mischo stated that, as president of a non-profit organisation with a budget of €70 million, he was bound to point out existing problems and voice his concerns, adding that he stood by his original statements. He explained that, in the meantime, he met with the two coordinators, prior to Wednesday's meeting and that the contentious issues which had been under discussion, have since been clarified.

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No intention to challenge the Board of Directors

The President of the Esch 2022 project said he had no intention of challenging a decision by the Board of Directors, and that he envisages continued collaboration with Strötgen and Wagner, should they be reinstated in their roles. Indeed, a proposal to reinstate the two will be duly submitted to the Board, for a vote. Mischo emphasised that he had never suggested that the contracts of the two coordinators should not be extended.

Since 14 March, the Board of Directors of Esch 2022 is now composed of twenty people. Assistance is provided to the asbl by the Ministries of Culture, Finance, Tourism, and of Sustainable Development. During the Wednesday meeting, a decision was also taken to create an ad hoc working group to reduce the backlog of financial and administrative matters relating to the project. Furthermore, a committee will be required to meet, on a weekly basis, to discuss both the project and any problems which may arise in relation to its development.

Mischo stressed that the recent discussions have not damaged the project. He also denied allegations that Esch's politicians are trying to sink it. Everyone, he said, is fully committed to ensuring the success of the European Capital of Culture project, including the other local municipalities and mayors which are also involved in the campaign.

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Strötgen and Wagner respond

In the meantime, following Mischo's criticism, the two coordinators responded to the mayor's comments on Friday morning. Strötgen and Wagner clearly acknowledged that they cannot possibly manage every aspect of the project, stating, "A financial expert is needed, along with a communications expert. Many specific tasks will have to be taken care of by designated professionals in the coming months". Andreas Wagner also stated that the costs relating to the Esch 2022 application are low, compared to other candidate cities.

Both impacted coordinators hope that the Board of the asbl will not wait until June 2018 to vote on the extension of their contracts, as they want to start working on the project before then. Janina Strötgen stated, "Under normal circumstances, we should get an office in Esch city centre in the coming days. This is extremely important, because it will give us visibility. People can come in and we can discuss various issues with them".