On Tuesday morning, our colleagues from RTL Radio spoke with Marco Koeune, the Mayor of Lac de la Haute-Sûre. Among other things, the local politician addressed the illegal rave that took place over the weekend in Bavigne, and the rising price of water.

Mayor Koeune highlighted the challenges local authorities face when dealing with such unauthorised gatherings. "When organised groups arrive on the scene, it becomes very difficult to manage the situation because there is always a potential for aggression," he explained, referring to the illegal rave at Bauschelter Bierg in Bavigne.

Koeune confirmed that the municipality will file a complaint against unknown persons involved in the event. Local authorities are still determining the exact formulation of the complaint.

During the interview, Koeune also addressed the significant price increases at SIDEC, the intercommunal syndicate responsible for waste management in northern Luxembourg. He acknowledged that while the price hikes are "certainly not pleasant," they are necessary to maintain a balanced budget. The mayor urged residents to improve their waste sorting efforts, particularly by reducing food waste, as more than a third of food currently goes to waste. He encouraged people to "shop more consciously" and reduce the purchase of packaging materials.

"Unfortunately, we will have to charge the highest water price in the entire Grand Duchy"

Additionally, Koeune announced that water prices in the municipality will need to be raised to cover costs. "Unfortunately," Lac de la Haute-Sûre will have to implement the highest water rates in the country: "As far as my local government is concerned, we've already done the calculations […] we will have to charge the highest water price in the entire Grand Duchy," Koeune stated.

Marco Koeune also serves as the president of the Farmers' Alliance and expressed growing concern among farmers over the current spread of Bluetongue disease. The Alliance's clear message to farmers is to prioritise vaccination: "Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate."

Koeune also commented on this year's disappointing harvest, citing a relatively wet year as the cause for both the low quantity and quality of yields.

He emphasised the need for simpler procedures within the agricultural sector, stating that streamlined processes are long overdue. Despite numerous political promises, Koeune pointed out that little progress has been made in implementing these changes.