Paulette Lenert, a prominent figure in the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) and former Minister of Health, discussed her imminent transition to the Council of State during an interview as RTL Radio's editorial guest on Friday morning.
Speaking just one day after her nomination by the Chamber of Deputies, Lenert described a sense of anticipation and some tension, explaining that "whenever such a change approaches, you always feel a certain tension". She expressed deep respect for her new responsibilities, yet voiced confidence that she will "settle in very quickly".
The opposition MP representing eastern Luxembourg and former government minister is set to be sworn into the Council of State during the week of 8 June. In turn, Ben Streff (LSAP) will take over her seat in the Chamber.
Lenert admitted that she had not originally planned to enter the Chamber of Deputies after last year's elections; her goal had been to return to government. Nonetheless, her parliamentary experience provided her with a different perspective, which she now appreciates and would not want to have missed.
As the lead candidate for the LSAP, she openly acknowledged her preference for executive responsibilities, saying she enjoys being in government, where decisions can be taken and implemented. "I am impatient and like to move things forward", she said, admitting that she found these traits difficult to reconcile with opposition work.
In her view, opposition requires one to let go of the urge to make rapid change. Critics have pointed out that Lenert, a former Health Minister, never fully embraced her role as an opposition MP. To this, Lenert countered that she was able to initiate some changes, particularly in the field of housing, but progress was frequently too slow for her liking. Other issues, such as reforming electoral law, received less attention in parliament in her opinion.
Asked whether she would have completed her mandate had the Council of State vacancy not arisen following Yves Wagener's (The Greens) departure, Lenert declined to speculate. She said that a year ago, she would never have considered such a move, but the opportunity now felt appropriate, particularly as it comes mid-way through the legislative term and allows a new member, Ben Streff, to settle into the role.
Streff, the departing LSAP party manager, has been publicly critical of the performance of some former LSAP ministers, including Lenert herself. However, Lenert does not view this as a personal conflict but rather expects politicians to focus on substance when addressing the public.
Lenert emphasised that the decision to step away from front-line politics was entirely her own: "I never let my decisions be imposed on me", she underlined. She acknowledged that her move surprised some colleagues. While Ben Streff's interview may have raised some internal scepticism, Lenert conceded, ultimately, that various factors led to her decision to transition to the Council of State.
She added that, with growing questions about whether she would stand in the next parliamentary elections, now was a good time for a transition.
Looking to the future, Lenert said she does not want to tie herself down, noting that politics is often unpredictable. For now, though, she has clearly stepped back from the front line. "A party does not stand or fall with one person", she said, adding that politicians must regularly assess where their strengths are best used.
Lenert said that, for her, the decision was not about motivation, but about energy. "Politics requires a tremendous amount of energy, and one should know when it is better to shift down a gear", she stated.
Regarding the government's offer for her to coordinate Luxembourg's pavilion at the Riyadh Expo, Lenert said she has not yet made a definitive decision. She intends to take her time, while the government must also formalise its proposal.
