On Sunday, the Fokus party, which was founded earlier this year, held its national convention.

Frank Engel, the party's designated lead candidate for the 2023 elections, discussed Fokus' policies with our colleagues from RTL.lu. Engel clarified that the party does not think of itself as belonging to a specific political camp. "Nobody wants to know what your political beliefs are as long as you propose something that people think might change their life for the better," Engel stated.

On Sunday, the party's national committee discussed increasing energy prices, inflation, and economic growth, which Fokus thinks should be better integrated into the Greater Region.

The party has not yet decided on its main policies for the 2023 elections because "we don't know what situation the country will be in by that time". That being said, Engel stated that it is certain that social justice and fair taxation will be important issues. "We would like to, but we can't is no longer an option at this stage," the lead candidate stressed, adding that people have been promised a tax reform for too long. According to Engel, adjusting the tax table for inflation is "feasible" and a fair categorisation of certain wage categories and levels is "necessary". A few weeks ago, Fokus already proposed the introduction of a "social index".

Another topic that was discussed by the National Committee on Sunday was the evolution of democracy in Luxembourg. Fokus criticises the Chamber of Deputies for "not fully assuming its responsibilities". For this reason, the party proposes a form of direct election of the government. "The people should have a say in who represents them in government," Engel explained.

Regarding the 2023 municipal elections, Engel admitted that Fokus will not be able to gather electoral lists across the country. Since there will be Biergerlëschten ("Citizens' Lists") in many places, Fokus will consider alliances with these candidates. However, Engel also stressed that the party has already decided to create its own lists in Luxembourg's major communes, where Fokus will run its own campaigns.