As three MPs bade the Krautmaart farewell on Wednesday, their successors were sworn into the Chamber of Deputies in a ceremony on Thursday. Several issues were discussed during the day's proceedings, such as increased reinbursement for glasses and the creation of a money laundering prevention team.
François Bausch (Greens), Christophe Hansen (CSV) and Fernand Kartheiser (ADR) were replaced by Djuna Bernard, Jean-Paul Schaaf and Dan Hardy respectively this week.
Although Bernard and Schaaf are no strangers to the Chamber, this is Dan Hardy's first term as an MP. He said he would aim to prioritise family policies:
"Since I myself have two children, I know that in family policy we have to focus more on parents who raise children. The fight against poverty is also one of my political goals, because these days things are increasingly difficult for the average citizen. From now on I see myself as a representative of the people and I would like to be measured by my proximity to our citizens during this time."
Hardy also highlighted the fight against crime and better access for citizens and the media to government information. He also declared himself in favour of referendums, both at national and local level.
The Chamber also expressed support for a petition requesting the National Health Fund increase the reimbursement for glasses, following a public debate with the parliamentary committee on Wednesday. MPs requested a follow-up via a motion.
Kopstal mayor Thierry Schuman (CSV) will succeed Patrick Santer on the Council of State as expected.
The ADR also sought to revive a debate on the Luxembourgish language, dating back to the end of January.
The tax registration office had a project approved to create a new team to exclusively focus on the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism, in a move which was supported by all parties. Finance minister Gilles Roth called it a vital bill to support Luxembourg's finance centre's credibility, among other things.
"Normally we think of money laundering as something that solely concerns banks or insurance companies or other financial institutions. This specific section for registration will look at other areas which are less likely to be discussed, but where the risk of money laundering is rife, such as real estate, car sales, art, casinos or jewellers, for example."
The Chamber of Deputies will reopen on 8 October, coinciding with the day that Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume becomes the Grand Duke's lieutenant-representative.
