Mayor Lydie Polfer recently addressed the ousting of a group of homeless people from Place du Théâtre, underlining that they have been offered an alternative shelter.
At the first City Breakfast of 2024, Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer addressed a new black fence that has been set up at Place du Théâtre where homeless people used to gather. The DP politician explained that residents were being disturbed by the noise that homeless people were making around the square.
Regarding the individuals who used to gather there, an alternative arrangement was found with all said to be in agreement. However, upon further enquiries about whether this arrangement would still leave the homeless outdoors or not, the press was not given an answer on Thursday.
Nevertheless, Michele, a 23-year-old woman belonging to the group that used to stay at the square, was willing to discuss the arrangement with RTL reporters: "We don't want to talk much about it because we don't want any unwanted guests. But it's a place where we have shelter, there's heating to keep us warm. And we are able to take care of ourselves, which is already a good thing."
The group is not allowed to return to their shelter on Place du Théâtre, but Michèle does not feel driven away. On the contrary, the advantage of the new place is that they do not have to constantly watch over their belongings. Now, they have the opportunity to enquire about getting a provisional address and visit the social welfare office as they feel safer.
Future of historic building uncertain
The Ilôt Gastronomique passage behind the square has also been cleared. Bikes, clothes, bottles, as well as their owners, are all gone. This is due to Bouquet Garni reopening its doors on Friday.
In fact, Thierry Duhr, the owner of the restaurant, was happy that the homeless were there during the time his restaurant was closed. He says: "We were not burglarised during that whole period, even though it's quite a regular occurrence around here."
Before the grand reopening, Duhr held a conversation with the homeless in front of his restaurant. He explained that they would no longer be able to stay there. With the help of the police, the situation was resolved smoothly. "Everything went well", according to Duhr. The restaurant was shut down in June as it did not have a terrace and they needed the staff at another restaurant.
Though Ilôt Gastronomique now has two businesses up and running again, seven remain empty and the historic building is in poor condition.
Duhr does not believe the building will be renovated any time soon. He had asked the owners to make him an offer for the premises of Bouquet Garni and the former Caves gourmandes. However, no offer has been made so far.
In response to an RTL enquiry, the owners of Ilôt Gastronomique stated that they are waiting for a meeting with Mayor Lydie Polfer to discuss the matter further.
