The co-president of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) joined our colleagues on RTL Radio on Monday morning to discuss the content of their campaign manifesto and announce the party's intention of taking over the Education Ministry in the next legislative period.
Education is an integral part of the LSAP's campaign manifesto, which delegates unanimously approved at the party's national congress on Sunday. "You cannot talk about the future without talking about education and despite all efforts, we do not have equality of opportunity in this country."
The LSAP plans on reforming language classes in the next legislative period as they believe that it is no longer acceptable that one specific language can turn into a barrier. The pilot project allowing a limited number of pupils to learn reading and writing in French instead of German should be evaluated and potentially offered throughout the country, said Closener. Similarly, the concept of Luxembourg's international schools should be evaluated to determine whether or not it manages to live up to expectations.
Although the Democratic Party (DP) is currently heading the Education Ministry with Claude Meisch, the LSAP is resolved on taking over education if they are part of the next administration, stressed the co-party president.
No tax reliefs
Just like Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, the LSAP politician voiced doubt that it is the right time for tax reliefs, which the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) have made one of their campaign promises.
Endangering the welfare state is a red line for the LSAP's willingness to form a coalition, same as the creation of a two-class healthcare system, according to Closener.
Reducing work hours a 'contemporary' idea
The LSAP's demand for a 38-hour-work week with full salary is once again part of their election manifesto. Although MP Dan Kersch initially proposed a 36-hour-week, the party eventually settled on 38 hours as a more realistic proposal. Closener expressed her view that it is a contemporary idea and favourable argument for Luxembourg as a country of employment.
The politician noted that the introduction of the 40-hour-week also led to discussions in 1975. According to Closener, liberal and right MPs at the time warned the Chamber from the downfall of the economy, a decline in production, and a rise in illicit work.
The LSAP co-president ended the interview by describing Luxembourg's economy as resilient, robust, and able to survive numerous crises. People want to work so they can live, not live so they can work, concluded Closener.
