© RTL
In conversation with RTL, Minister of Health Paulette Lenert described herself as ready to take on the role of Prime Minister and expressed her opposition to the privatisation of the healthcare system.
As lead candidate for the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), Paulette Lenert said that she is ready to take responsibility and become Prime Minister after the Chamber elections on 8 October. However, she was unwilling to speculate on potential coalitions, not excluding any of the parties but highlighting the content of her agenda.
Healthcare
Lenert expressed her opposition to the privatisation of the healthcare sector, noting that there should not be two classes of patients. She referred to recent comments on the issue made by politicians from the Christian Social People's Party (CSV), which she found alarming.
When asked about the CSV's designated lead candidate, Luc Frieden, Lenert described him as experienced, motivated, and having an interesting profile. Nevertheless, she questioned the conservatives' inability to bring up a lead candidate from within the ranks of the opposition.
'Nuanced' rather than 'hesitant'
Lenert lamented that her political approach, which she herself described as "nuanced", is often portrayed as "hesitant". Nevertheless, she said she wants to stay true to herself and carry on the way she has done until now.
Rising to the top
Lenert made the long-awaited announcement that she is ready to take on the role of LSAP lead candidate at the party's New Year's reception. Half a year before that, she still refused to entertain the idea in public despite widespread support.
This was not always the case. Back in 2018, the Young Socialist committee of the eastern election district stepped down as Tess Burton was not appointed to the role of minister. However, Lenert quickly gained support and appreciation for her conscientious approach to the task.
An unexpected opportunity
After LSAP's Deputy PM Etienne Schneider stepped back from politics at the very beginning of 2020, Franz Fayot took over as Minister of the Economy and Paulette Lenert as Minister of Health. Little did anyone know at the time that Lenert was poised to become the centre of attention due to the unfolding of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The people of Luxembourg seemed to believe that she rose to the occasion and found reassurance in her regular TV appearances. Polls confirmed her growing acclaim soon after as she overtook LSAP colleague Jean Asselborn in terms of popularity.
