ADR tired of CSV's 'cuddly' Green-era politics

"We have a big problem, which unfortunately is not being addressed properly in this country", ADR MP Fred Keup argued on Tuesday during the presentation of the party's key priorities as parliament resumed after the summer recess.

According to Keup, violent acts have significantly increased over the past 20 years, far outpacing population growth. He referred back to a statement made two years ago by CSV (Christian Social People's Party) MP Léon Gloden, who had called for an end to the Greens' "cuddly politics" in response to then-Police Minister Henri Kox of the Greens. The ADR used Gloden's own words against him, criticising his approach as a continuation of the same "cuddly politics" and stating that little has changed. "Local police have been introduced, but no one knows what their point is," Keup deplored.
 
The ADR criticised the lack of available statistics on crime, emphasising that understanding the root causes is essential for effective actions. Fred Keup cited recent border checks introduced in Germany as an example of addressing crime. "If you don't have any statistics about where these people are coming from, especially if they are coming from abroad, then how are you going to do anything about it?" Keup questioned.

French literacy programme

The ADR also voiced concern regarding the plan to introduce French as a teaching language option in state primary schools, a reform set to be rolled out across Luxembourg within two years. According to the ADR, this move will have far-reaching consequences for the country. "Primary school is a cradle for integration here in Luxembourg, and this decision would be a catastrophe for our society, jeopardising social cohesion," argued Fred Keup. He expressed concerns that pupils would be automatically separated into German and French classes, potentially lowering the standards of state schools and hindering students from mastering all three national languages.

While Keup acknowledged that the DP (Democratic Party) Minister of Education, Claude Meisch, provides more statistics compared to his CSV colleagues, he criticised the reliability of these figures, calling them dishonest. He claimed that Meisch had assured that literacy in French would only be offered comprehensively once studies clarified the impact on students and society. "But that can only be measured once the students reach secondary school. In fact, it will only be observable after they have completed their first year in secondary school. So, not before 2030," Keup emphasised.

Infrastructure cannot keep up with growth

In the nearly 40-minute presentation, Keup raised concerns about population growth and its impact on Luxembourg's infrastructure. He argued that the country's schools, healthcare system, and housing market would be unable to sustain continued high levels of migration. Keup linked the housing shortage directly to migration, stating, "We need to consider who we want to have in the country. We cannot accommodate everyone and provide each person with housing and infrastructure. We are already reaching the limits of what is possible." He pointed out that this issue is not unique to Luxembourg, but also affects neighboring countries like Germany and the Netherlands.

LGBTIQ+ topics in schools

Shortly after, Fred Keup dove into the recent petition to limit LGBTIQ+ topics in schools. In record time, the petition garnered an impressive 10,000 signatures. However, a counter-petition gained the necessary signature threshold even faster. In a series of accusations, Keup accused an LSAP (Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party) employee of initiating the counter-petition and letting the "propaganda machine" do the rest of the work. Keup further accused non-governmental organisations having been paid by the government to push the petition. For Keup, politicians being dumbfounded regarding the number of people opposed to LGBTIQ+ topics being discussed in schools demonstrates how out of touch politicians are with the general public.

In addition to these criticisms, the ADR emphasised their desire to be a constructive opposition party capable of proposing alternatives and not just criticising. By the end of October, the ADR will request a parliamentary interpellation to allow parliament to supervise the government's activity in regulating Luxembourg's healthcare system, focusing on healthcare provision in rural areas, staffing shortages, and overall organisation.

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