© Henri Schwirtz
Three weeks after the publication of the Waringo report, things are slowly back to normal at the Grand Ducal Court - or at least so it seems.
The recommendations of Jeannot Waringo are currently being implemented behind the palace walls. The Grand Duchess, who came under fire for (mis)management of staff, now seems to focus on coherence in terms of communication and public relations.
This engagement is in line with the personal commitments of the Grand Duke's wife, who is known for her pledge to defend women's rights and her ongoing fight against social issues.
The Grand Duchess is for example a driving force in the "Stand Speak Rise Up" organisation, which will host a photography exhibition at a large supermarket next week. Next week alone, she also has three confirmed official meetings on her own. She will for example visit the Centre Pontalize in Ettelbruck, the exhibition in Bertrange, and the Saint-Anne school in Ettelbruck. Next Friday, she will also join the young members of the Zonta club at the Neumunster abbey.
She also announced last weekend that she will be the patron of Esch2022 - all these announcements and visits are not coincidental.
The Minister of State explained during the presentation of the Waringo report that "there is no place for the Grand Duchess in the new organisation chart of the Grand Ducal Court." This does not mean, however, that the Grand Duchess will put an end to her social commitments. The frequency of her upcoming visits and engagements seems to prove that the proposed reforms of Jeannot Waringo were taken to heart.
Forum Stand Speak Rise Up!
The veritable charm may also be a strategy to blast the recent failings of the Grand Ducal Court and the government's inaction into oblivion. The Waringo report will, however, not be considered a closed case. The author of the report will remain present at the Grand Ducal Court to oversee the implementation of the proposed reforms. According to information obtained by RTL, General-Manager David Grieu for example lost his title as a consequence, and was charged with other duties at the Grand Ducal Court. Personnel changes have also been initiated. Two new positions were recently advertised.
According to RTL information, more new job openings are likely. The new coordination committee is meanwhile yet to be nominated. The Grand Ducal Court Court is planning on implementing the majority of Jeannot Waringo's recommendations by the time summer arrives. In the meantime, there will be two official state visits. The Grand Duke will fly to India on his own. His wife will join him for the state visit to Portugal.
