© Didier Weber / RTL
As every year, on the first day of the new year, RTL conducts an expansive interview with Luxembourg's head of government, a first for PM Luc Frieden.
The traditional RTL New Year's interview with the Prime Minister was recorded in advance by Luc Frieden's request, in order to allow for a scheduled medical procedure on 19 December. The interview, conducted by Caroline Mart, addresses topics such as the new government, its composition, the coalition agreement with the DP and all the important issues at hand.
"The next two years will be difficult," the new Prime Minister admitted in the interview, explaining that government financial grants would have to be more selective in future, although discussions were yet to establish which criteria would be followed in this regard. At any rate, Frieden plans to keep the current environmental grants the same until mid-2024.
Climate change is real, Frieden acknowledged, but said he believed there was more time to deal with the issue compared to more acute crises, such as Luxembourg's housing situation. The new premier has adopted a more relaxed approach to the climate crisis, with the hope that new technology will allow for improvements without forcing people to make major changes to their lifestyles. Even fossil fuels will continue to play an important role, Frieden continued, saying they could not be dispensed with at this moment in time. He also highlighted the use of nuclear energy in this context.
The interview touched upon the CSV-DP government's major challenges, for example, how and when they plan to implement their election promises on topics such as tax reform and housing.
One of Frieden's clear priorities is the pension issue in Luxembourg. Although pensions did not form a major part of pre-election discussions, the Prime Minister believes it cowardly to ignore the very real problem faced by Luxembourg's pension funds, and says the entire system needs to be reworked in order to meet demands. Frieden plans to lead a broad debate on the pension system with the aim of encouraging constant growth.
The new premier does not plan to change the country's electoral system with its four constituencies, emphasising that any amendment could make it more difficult for politicians from rural areas to be elected. He said there were already issues with the division of constituencies when filling government positions. Each party selected its ministers independently after establishing which party would assume responsibility for the different ministries. Frieden said he made a concerted effort to select new faces from the CSV, not just to establish a "new Luc" - as was his election motto - but a new CSV in general.
How does Frieden view his role in government? He is well aware of his position as the overall "boss", but also intends to assume responsibility of his own projects. All the government's ministers were made aware of the need to assess their individual departments and establish how they could simplify different procedures in the name of improving efficiency. Frieden believes an administrative simplification is vital for a modern government, and did not hesitate in comparing the government to a business.
"The Prime Minister should act like a company's general director, ensuring that individual department managers are all on the same page and working towards the same goals. As Prime Minister it is my job to coordinate this work and make sure we are all going in the same direction."
"New Luc" or not, when it comes to immigration policy, Frieden is aiming to continue the same policies issued by former justice ministers: only asylum seekers with a genuine right to asylum will be permitted to stay in Luxembourg, while those who do not meet the right criteria will be sent back. If immigrants are hoping for a better life, they must apply through the correct legal channels, he says.
Frieden is openly satisfied with his new role and is certainly not lacking in motivation to pursue his ambitions.
Watch the full interview in Luxembourgish:
