In a Wednesday afternoon interview with RTL, Jean Asselborn declared his decision not to become an MP in the Chamber of Deputies.
Citing a need for some rest, Asselborn, who has been actively involved in foreign policy for two decades, expressed that transitioning to domestic policy would be challenging.
The outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed to recent developments in migration policy in Europe and Luxembourg as contributing factors to his decision. Regarding a recent RTL Télé programme on refugee policy, Asselborn admitted to "losing his cool," acknowledging that emotions "had gained the upper hand," a situation he deemed "not good." For him, this served as a "warning signal" prompting the recognition that it was time to take a break.
At 74 years old, with 19 years as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and first becoming an MP 40 years ago, Asselborn did not wish to provide a definitive answer regarding his potential candidacy in the upcoming European elections.
Yves Cruchten is set to fill Jean Asselborn's seat in the Chamber of Deputies. Upon enquiry, Cruchten stated that he would accept the mandate.
The Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) parliamentary group unveiled its plans for opposition work in the coming years during a press conference on Wednesday morning. Taina Bofferding was announced to become the chair of the group, with Paulette Lenert appointed as vice-chairwoman.
Full interview with Jean Asselborn (in Luxembourgish)
