No plans to ban begging in either Minett city

The new Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden criticised his predecessor Taina Bofferding's decision against such a police regulation. Having taken over the position, he reversed this regulation, and the ban is now fully enforced. Additionally, Gloden intends to revamp the legal structure concerning the compulsory removal of people from public areas, known as "Platzverweis," at a national level.
In Dudelange, there were police regulations allowing the mayor to limit begging until a few months ago. However, Mayor Dan Biancalana, LSAP, mentioned that this provision was reversed in mid-2023.

"We've had a new police regulation since July, unanimously approved by all parties in the municipal council. It no longer includes any reference to begging. Furthermore, reintroducing it wouldn't make any political sense," he stated.

In the Minett metropolis, the new mayor of Esch, Christian Weis, CSV, also emphasised that the newly created conditions for banning begging are hardly being used.

"I refrain from commenting on the ongoing nationwide discussions. As the mayor of Esch, my focus is mainly on our local area. My current stance is clear: I don't believe we need a begging ban here in Esch," he asserted.

Christian Weis, CSV, mayor of Esch/Alzette

From a socio-political perspective, a protest rally by homeless individuals occurred in Esch on Tuesday. These individuals no longer received tokens, previously used for acquiring a hot meal at the 'Stëmm vun der Strooss' for 50 cents."

The people affected were faced with a situation that was already decided, according to Alexandra Oxacelay from 'Stëmm vun der Strooss'.

"We'll have to wait and see how things pan out. People are used to it anyway... They don't have a choice when decisions are made quickly without considering their needs."

On the ground level, in the work done on the streets in Esch, there's a personal and organizational background. In the next few weeks, the municipality will be working on a new plan to help these street workers be more involved in the community.

Esch social alderman Bruno Cavaleiro emphasises that it is important to them that people receive the right help, but that this does not mean double employment. The street workers' mission has therefore been reorganised so that they can organise themselves and identify where the real need is among the people.

"So that they can get there specifically, to the departments, to the services that give them the best help."