
© RTL
On Wednesday morning, MP Claire Delcourt of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) discussed her political priorities in the Chamber of Deputies during an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio.
Having served as an MP for about a year, Delcourt reflected on the personal changes she has experienced in this time. She highlighted the challenges in adjusting to her role as a public figure and Member of Parliament.
When questioned about the recent Caritas scandal, Delcourt called for a nuanced evaluation. She disagreed with remarks made by MP Gérard Schockmel of the Democratic Party (DP), who had criticised Luxembourg's administrative boards for fostering a "culture of irresponsibility."
Delcourt emphasised that many individuals in this sector are engaged in "hard work." However, she acknowledged that governance issues at Caritas are evident and should be addressed.
Delcourt urged patience, stressing the importance of awaiting the outcomes of ongoing investigations by the criminal police and the Financial Sector Supervisory Commission (CSSF) before politicians consider amending laws or making decisions regarding the NGO's governance.
A more targeted approach to child poverty
Child poverty is a key concern for MP Delcourt, who described it as "shocking" that one in four children in Luxembourg lives in poverty. She expressed regret that some aid programmes are still not reaching the intended recipients.
While the coalition agreement between the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) and the DP includes measures designed to support young families, Delcourt voiced scepticism about their reach. She warned that while "more affluent middle-class" families might benefit, the working poor could be left out. Delcourt advocated for a more selective approach to ensure that assistance is effectively targeted.
Insufficient oversight
Animal welfare is another key issue that motivated Claire Delcourt to enter politics. Although Luxembourg has a relatively progressive animal welfare law, Delcourt criticised the lack of adequate enforcement. She pointed to a recent incident in which five dogs died at an unlicensed Luxembourg boarding kennel, noting that in countries like France and Germany, kennel operators are not only required to have a permit but must also complete mandatory training courses.
MP Delcourt proposed that the Ministry of Agriculture adopt a more transparent and proactive approach. She suggested the creation of a website that would list all licenced dog boarding kennels in Luxembourg, ensuring that only those with the proper permits are recognised.