Since Luc Frieden's appointment as Luxembourg's new Prime Minister two weeks ago, the spotlight has also extended to his wife, Marjolijne Frieden, a 59-year-old native of the Netherlands.
While the spouse of Luxembourg's prime minister has no official role, Marjolijne Frieden acknowledges that her life is still about to change. In an exclusive interview with RTL Télé conducted on the streets of the capital, she spoke openly about her perspective on this new chapter.
Marjolijne Frieden did not hesitate before agreeing to the interview. In fact, she considers such interviews an integral part of the process, particularly in the initial stages. However, she emphasises her intention to support her husband from the sidelines in the future, attending select events as needed. The couple's history traces back 37 years to their first meeting at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. Though it was not love at first sight, they quickly forged a connection and fell for each other, she recalls. Even back then, Luc Frieden was giving speeches on the subject of European law.
Post-Cambridge, Marjolijne Drogleever Fortuyn pursued her career in the Netherlands, sustaining a sort of long-distance relationship with Frieden. After a brief stint in Brussels, they reunited and chose Luxembourg as their shared home, tying the knot there. Reflecting on their decision, Marjolijne notes that despite the fact that they "could have lived in any big city in the world," they wanted to settle in a place where one of them had roots.
Beyond the political arena, Marjolijne Frieden is an avid reader, with a particular fondness for the works of Ken Follet. The couple shares a love for walks and often spends holidays in the Netherlands or Switzerland. When they have free time, they visit their children in Paris or Munich.
Marjolijne Fortuyn-Frieden works for a bank in Kirchberg. She is head of the legal department and manages a team of 12 lawyers. Her days are characterised by a dynamic agenda, with a constant influx of new challenges demanding her attention. The couple leaves home early in the morning and meets up again in the evening at around 8pm. This will not change in the future: "I have my job and my husband has his," she stresses. She is unfazed by the prospect of Luc Frieden spending less time at home due to his new role. According to her, it is "merely a matter of organisation."
The legislative elections in Luxembourg took place on 8 October. For Marjolijne Frieden, it was important to stand by her husband's side on that day. She found it "a wonderful experience" and is happy to have been able to experience such a day. She was, of course, even happier when she saw the results. Their children, having returned home for the occasion, anxiously awaited their father's late-night arrival to find out what was going to happen next.
In this exclusive interview, Marjolijne Frieden also opens up about her personal tastes, revealing a love for Adèle's music and an appreciation for evenings spent at the Philharmonie. Acknowledging the forthcoming changes in their family life, she anticipates the added security measures accompanying Luc Frieden's role, including the constant presence of two security guards. Marjolijne Frieden has not been out to dinner with her husband recently and, in the future, they will be doing so abroad instead, so that they can enjoy a more intimate tête-à-tête without police by their side.
Looking to the future, Marjolijne Frieden says that all she wants for the coming years is for her little family to do well, and for the country to do well too.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
