Stéphanie Obertin's surprising transition to key government roles

Despite being elected as the 11th candidate on the Democratic Party (DP) list in the Centre constituency, positioning her mid-field, Obertin has been entrusted with the portfolios of the digitalisation as well as research and higher education for the next five years.

Our colleagues from RTL Télé joined the new minster for a day at her office and an afternoon stroll.

A new start... in the former office of Xavier Bettel

Prior to her ministerial role, Obertin spent the last 16 years working as a doctor in a practice in Bonnevoie. Her educational background includes studying medicine in Strasbourg and Nancy. She also served as the President of the General Practitioners from 2019 to 2022. Now, she has transitioned from her medical practice to an office in the historic Hotel de Bourgogne, which served as the Ministry of State until 2019 and was the former office of Xavier Bettel during his tenure as prime minister.

When asked whether she had already settled in, Obertin shared, "Slowly but surely. As you can see, it's still a bit empty in here, but I'm slowly getting there. All the people who work here have welcomed me quite well and are gradually explaining to me what my tasks here will be."

Despite her involvement in coalition negotiations and work in the healthcare task force, Obertin expressed her surprise at being offered a ministerial position. Reflecting on the opportunity, she remarked, "I was asked whether I could imagine doing that, whether it would interest me. Of course it's an extreme challenge and a big change in my life, but it's a huge challenge that I'm really looking forward to taking on."

"It's important to have an open ear and listen to people"

When asked about her prior experience in digitalisation, Stéphanie Obertin acknowledged the disparity between her current role and her previous profession as a doctor. However, she emphasised the importance of having an open ear, listening to people, explaining options, and finding solutions — qualities that align closely with her medical background. Obertin expressed, "Trying to listen to people, no matter the problem, showing them a solution, and then making a decision: All of that was also commonplace in my job."

Accustomed to stress and demanding work in her professional life, the 49-year-old minister maintains a quiet and reserved demeanour in her private life. During her school years, she actively participated in sports and assisted in the family business.

The family ran the restaurant "Um Plateau," and Obertin has fond memories of that time, stating, "I did indeed spend a lot of time there as a child and teenager. I also helped out there as a student. It was a really great time with really great and interesting people."

In her leisure time, Obertin finds solace and engages in sports at the Bambësch Forest, a place that holds sentimental value for her, as she used to come here to play tennis as a teenager. Reflecting on her connection to the forest, she shared, "Nowadays, it's a place for me where I go to get my mind off things, go for a jog in the forest, and play tennis here once a week."

Beyond her role in digitalisation, Obertin shoulders responsibilities for research and higher education. All of these are future-oriented ministries and Obertin is determined to set the tone for the next five years.

Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)