Luxembourg's new top diplomat faces criticism for vague responses and a perceived lack of clarity in addressing key issues like trade relations and the Israel-Hamas conflict, as lawmakers and activists voice concerns over the continuity and direction of the nation's foreign affairs.
The very first sentence in the foreign affairs' chapter of the coalition agreement attests to the challenging geopolitical situation that Xavier Bettel faces in his new role as Luxembourg's top diplomat: "The world is getting increasingly unstable." On Monday morning, he thus briefed lawmakers in the respective Chamber commission about his approach to the situation.
In conversation with RTL, The Greens' MP Sam Tanson later described Bettel's statements as vague: "We were assured of a continuation of the foreign affairs policies of recent years. But in response to concrete questions, for instance regarding the supply chain law on which we worked a lot over the past years, I did not really receive a clear answer."
The law in question is supposed to ensure that human rights are generally respected in trading, among other things. However, the new coalition agreement stipulates more trade with China, which MP Georges Engel from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) believes to be problematic. Same as Tanson, he further criticised Bettel's explanations for being overly vague: "I did not really receive a response as to how we are supposed to uphold a proper conduct with the supply chain law."
The Left's MP David Wagner lamented a degree of superficiality around the Israel-Hamas conflict in Bettel's speech: "Up until now, Luxembourg held a relatively balanced and reasonable position under Jean Asselborn. Now we are told that not much will change. But I was under the impression that Xavier Bettel believes that we should show understanding for Israel and their response. But what is happening at the moment is not a response, it is simply the destruction of a population."
MP Gusty Graas from the Democratic Party (DP), who presides over the Chamber's foreign affairs commisision, expressed support for his colleague's more neutral stance: "Clear is that the Hamas attacks were acts of terrorism. On the other side, we have to be able to review Israel's response. But I agree with [Bettel] in that we should be cautious when it comes to statements at this time. The coming weeks and days will hopefully provide new opportunities for a definitive truce in the region."
Press freedom in the Middle East
Around two dozen individuals, including active and former journalists and activists, gathered outside the Chamber on Monday despite the snow to stand in for press freedom in the Middle East. Mara Stieber argued that Bettel, as well as all journalists active in Luxembourg, should not look away and show solidarity with those reporting from the Gaza strip.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an American non-profit organisation, 61 members of the press and at least 15,000 Palestinians have died in the Middle East since October.
