© Laurent Weber / RTL Archives
The police regulation enforcing a begging ban in Luxembourg City is set to take effect starting Friday, as Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden, from the Christian Social People's Party (CSV), overturns the decision made by his predecessor Taina Bofferding of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP).
Gloden also plans to reform the legal framework regarding the forced removal of individuals from public spaces, commonly referred to as "Platzverweis," at the national level.
The LSAP maintains a steadfast opposition stance, with former Minister Bofferding asserting her legal arguments in rejecting the police regulation over six months ago were correct. Bofferding's arguments centred on the requirement for a police regulation to justify a ban only in the presence of a threat to public space. Additionally, she contended that municipal regulations could not go further than national legislation.
Legal action initiated by Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer against Bofferding's rejection has become obsolete following Minister Gloden's recent decision.
Criticism arises as Gloden "takes on the roles of both minister and judge," instead of waiting for the administrative court's judgment, according to Bofferding.
LSAP party president Dan Biancalana goes further, accusing Gloden of adopting a repressive approach rather than focusing on poverty alleviation, branding him a "snow king" targeting the most vulnerable instead of prioritising prevention.
The LSAP has formally requested a discussion on the issue in the Chamber of Deputies, expressing apprehension about the potential extension of forced removal across the country. The party raises questions about the law's compatibility with the new constitution and the safeguarding of public freedoms.
Pirate Party mobilises against begging ban
In parallel, the Pirate Party has joined the opposition against the impending begging ban enforced by the new Minister for Home Affairs, set to take effect in Luxembourg City on Friday. In a press release, the local branch of the Pirate Party in Luxembourg City stresses that police regulations will not solve the problem of poverty but merely suppress it. To underscore their stance against the begging ban, the Pirate Party plans a demonstration on Saturday at 3pm on Place d'Armes in Luxembourg City.
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