Earlier this week, it was reported that Da Costa had been fired from his role at RSS-Hydro in Dudelange following fears the company and his former colleagues could be subjected to political pressure.
The government has now responded to the allegations in written form. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said his government was explicitly committed to freedom of opinion and research, in an exceptionally quick response to a parliamentary question on the matter posed by the Pirate Party’s Sven Clement two days ago.
He added that it was common practice for scientists and researchers to critically examine the work of the government. It was a normal process and not forbidden or undesirable in any way.
Bettel concluded that a government minister would never have put pressure on Da Costa or his employer at the time.
Clement’s question was raised following the news of Da Costa’s dismissal last autumn, after his employer Guy Schumann was said to have wanted to prevent his other six employees from being subjected to “political pressure”.
The Chamber will discuss the matter in two commissions on Friday afternoon.
Government failed in terms of prevention and preparation, argues PhD researcher
