In Echternach, the municipal elections in June led to the transition from a CSV-LSAP coalition to a DP-LSAP coalition, but challenges remain for the new council, a hundred days on.

Former CSV mayor Yves Wengler ceded his position to the DP's Carole Hartmann, a difficult task in itself. Meanwhile, the council is plagued by financial difficulties.

The new mayor says she is doing her best given the situation, but for selected projects, the local authorities are reliant on public aid. One example is the "Petite marquise" renovation project, in which the town hall has already invested around 10 million euros, but will now require additional support from the Ministry of Culture as work has slowed on the build.

"Before the elections, the council overwhelmingly adopted a concept, which the DP supported, voting with the majority. At the time it was agreed we would receive support from the Ministry of Culture, but now we are being told we will only receive help in terms of preserving the fund, up to 50%. So I think we may have to discuss the matter again with the new minister."

The new council plans to carry out a coherent project linking the city's history, commerce, restaurants and tourism. The same applies for the Witry building, which suffered considerable damage in the floods, and whose future now remains uncertain. Although the Ministry of the Interior supplied financial aid, Hartmann says some questions have remained unanswered as to whether the building should be renovated, or, as the Ministry suggests "built back better". This approach would see the building rebuilt entirely to ensure it complies with flood protection standards.

As for Echternach businesses, the former council's shopping concept will be implemented without major changes. However, the new council plans for the concept to be more transparent and says it should not compete with existing businesses, instead aiming to revitalise empty commercial premises.

In the parliamentary elections on 8 October, Hartmann received the second highest number of votes on the DP's list for the eastern district. As general secretary of the DP, she is currently participating in coalition negotiations with the CSV. It remains to be seen whether she could take on a ministerial portfolio, or serve a dual mandate as mayor and MP in the Chamber of Deputies. When asked, Hartmann declined to speculate.