Read also:State of the Nation Summary
“It was more of a two-hour activity report with lots of ‘tap yourself on the shoulder’”, said CSV faction president Martine Hansen. “The announcements had already previously been made, but not put into action. Regarding taxes, people need relief, but absolutely nothing is happening.”
If Myriam Cecchetti of The Left were Greta Thunberg, she’d say: “Bla bla bla”. Cecchetti was disappointed with the proposals, especially on the subject of climate change. “It is true that climate change does not need politics, but we need politics to implement measures. But they don’t take responsibility. It’s a pretty rhetoric, but consists of not much more. So, like I said: Bla bla bla.”
The Greens were more content with Bettel’s speech, which included investments to speed up the energy transition.
Faction chief Josée Lorsché: “We expect politics not based on austerity, but investment. These investments have been made, especially in the climate sector, but also in housing, two sectors that remain critical.”
“A lot was talked about health, new infrastructure. New paths were forged in these times of crisis, which is very important. Therefore I can say my expectations were met.”
The Pirate Party‘s Sven Clement had the feeling the government is quickly coming up with measures prior to election year in 2023: “The government really would like to make its balance sheet look a little tidier than reality.”
“We are talking about things that could have started in the last nine years and are now being pulled out the drawer again.”
Christos Floros:Thoughts on State of the Nation speech
The ADR was of similar opinion. “It is a government that manages rather than governs”, said Fernand Kartheiser. Some passages he found very interesting, for example that the debt limit would be maintained at 30%, “a ruffle for the socialist party”.
Regarding the climate crisis, Kartheiser believes Luxembourg’s contributions have no effect. “This is completely unrealistic.”
The State of the Nation speech shows that the coalition is motivated to continue, said DP president Gilles Baum.
Lastly, LSAP faction president Yves Cruchten argued that Bettel’s speech rightly pointed out all of the coalition’s achievements:
“It is important that people know we care about them, whether that’s health, economy, housing or climate. These are all things that in times of crisis make people scared. People need faith, and I think we could give them that.”
