Fred Keup prioritises security over growth in election interview

Despite some turbulent weeks marked by an internal dispute that resulted in one of their MPs setting out on his own, not much has changed for the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) in recent years. As things stand, there is still no desire from any of Luxembourg's other parties to join the ADR in a potential coalition.

Our colleagues from RTL thus spoke to ADR president Fred Keup about how they experienced the past weeks and their aspirations for the upcoming national election.

No time for holidays

Keup, who will be the ADR's national lead candidate for a first time, refuted the notion that he and people like Tom Weidig are pushing the party further to the right. Our colleagues met the former geography teacher in his home town of Kehlen, where he showed them the sights, including the local football pitch where he used to spend a lot of time.

As for personal holidays, Keup explained that there was no time this year due to the upcoming election as well as the fact that his family is currently moving.

When asked about the refusal of other party's to join forces with the ADR, Keup argued that this is due to fears of his party becoming too strong.

Increasing security, curbing growth

Security will be one of the ADR priorities in October. Keup noted that Luxembourg has a security problem, citing European statistics on burglaries and muggings. According to him, these analyses should be considered in full detail and used to create a new frame of operations. The police force needs to be reinforced and given more means in the field, said Keup.

He believes that strong growth is to blame for rampant crime, housing prices, and healthcare delays. He emphasised that growth needs to be slowed down and properly guided, even if that might engender short-term problems. Keup therefore stressed that the Grand Duchy should not take in corporations that are of no benefit to the country.

Furthermore, population growth should be limited to 5,000 people per year. Also, the ADR thinks that a referendum on the question of one million people living in Luxembourg should be held.

© Christophe Nesser

When it comes to education, Keup thinks that a lot is being done wrong, particularly citing the international schools and the new French literacy programme, which he believes to be "poison" for social cohesion.

He is also an outspoken criticism of "wokeness", arguing that left-wing minorities try to dictate to people what they have to do. He cited gendered language as one example that a majority of people are rejecting and which should not be imposed.

Reding's departure not a blow

When asked about MP Roy Reding's decision to leave the ADR in favour of his own political movement, Keup shared his view that this will not harm the ADR. While some people might leave to support Liberté, others will join because they like the split, he noted.

ADR officials are convinced that they will regain Reding's seat in the October election and potentially even gain another one.

As for Reding's criticism of "populist" discourses within the ADR, Keup refuted this notion, arguing that the former member only seeks to distract from the fact that he kept on being absent from the Chamber of Deputies. There have never been real policy disputes between them, said Keup.

Six to seven seats

Keup is convinced that the current coalition between Democratic Party (DP), Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), and The Greens will continue if they get the necessary number of seats.

The ADR's goal for the October election is to get six to seven seats in total. Keup stated that he would be happy if the ADR would once again overtake The Greens.

Future aspirations

When asked how he imagines the Grand Duchy in the year 2030, Keup said that he wants Luxembourg to be safer and have more freedoms. He thinks that growth should be moderate to reduce stress that people feel in their everyday lives. "I think that would do the country some good", noted Keup.

© Christophe Nesser

A right to security

If he were to become Prime Minister after the October election, then Keup would prioritise security from day one onwards. I would make the country as safe as it used to be a couple of years ago, noted the ADR politician, saying that the population has a right to security provided by the government.

Potential coalition partners

If given the choice, the ADR would form a coalition with whichever party is willing to help carry the majority of their policies. Keup noted that they intersect with the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) in some areas.

"I also know that many CSV members - not necessarily the ones at the very top - want to form a coalition with the ADR", concluded Keup.

Interview in Luxembourgish