Claude Wiseler of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) secured the position of President of the Chamber of Deputies in a vote by fellow MPs on Tuesday.

In an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Wednesday morning, Wiseler discussed the significance of his new role, asserting that the recent constitutional reform has elevated the Chamber of Deputies to unprecedented levels of influence, making it the "most powerful parliament in Luxembourg's history."

Addressing the Chamber's role, Wiseler emphasised that it is not merely a "registration office" for government plans or a "waiting room" for those aspiring to join the government.

He outlined key elements reinforcing the Chamber's authority, including strengthened rights to information, the removal of the need for a majority to convene a committee of inquiry, and the ability of MPs to table a motion of confidence or censure against the government. In addition, Wiseler highlighted the Chamber's newfound capability to formulate amendments and increased resources, including a scientific unit and additional staff, comparing favourably to the "thousands of civil servants available to the government."

Characterising the Chamber of Deputies as the "centre of politics in Luxembourg," Wiseler expressed his commitment to ongoing modernisation efforts. Proposals include broadcasting select parliamentary committee meetings, improving monitoring of motions and resolutions, and addressing concerns about lengthy speaking times to ensure all parties have ample opportunity for expression.

Taxation of MPs: "More complicated than it seems"

In Wiseler's speech on Tuesday, he called for "commitment, exemplarity, and humility" from both MPs and government members. Does this imply a shift to full taxation instead of half-taxation? Wiseler dismissed the idea of full taxation as "populist and simplistic," emphasising that a shift to 100% taxation would result in a significant reduction in allowances. Wiseler argued for a comprehensive debate on MPs' status, citing disparities between those from the private and public sectors. The discussion, he noted, is more intricate than it might appear at first glance.