Following the sudden passing of Wormeldange Mayor and MP Max Hengel, heartfelt tributes have poured in from colleagues and leaders, emphasising his unwavering commitment, warmth, and the significant void his loss leaves in Luxembourg's political landscape.

After news broke on Saturday that Wormeldange Mayor and MP Max Hengel of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) passed away at the age of 47 following a prolonged battle with cancer, colleagues are coming forward to offer their condolences to his family and emphasise the commitment of their fellow lawmaker. "It is incredibly sad news for all of us, it is a major loss for our political landscape and for the CSV", said PM Luc Frieden in conversation with RTL.

Frieden went on to describe their joint work as immensely enjoyable, particularly running together in last year's parliamentary election where Hengel was the co-lead in the eastern district. "He knew everyone, he was friendly with everyone, and I think that will be the image of Max that I will have in my memory forever", Frieden said.

Speaking to RTL, Marc Spautz, who head's the CSV parliamentary group in the Chamber of Deputies, remembered Hengel as a "fighter", with his relentless dedication described as his greatest strength. Despite knowing of Hengel's ongoing fight against cancer, there was always hope that he would "turn the corner", Spautz noted.

As recently as last week, Hengel still participated in a roundtable discussion at the Paris Olympics in his role as president of the Chamber's health commission, which Spautz labelled a further testament to his late colleague's commitment.

In a written statement (LUX), the CSV underlines that Hengel will be remembered not only as a politician, but also as a "family man deeply connected to the East [of Luxembourg]".

Video report in Luxembourgish