KPL calls for pension reforms and opposes compulsory military service

At a press conference on Thursday, the Luxembourg Communist Party (KPL) addressed issues including pension reforms and the ongoing debate about reintroducing compulsory military service.

KPL President Ali Ruckert emphasised the party's long-standing commitment to supporting low-income pensioners. While Luxembourg's pension system is broadly considered robust, Ruckert argued that more must be done to assist those struggling to make ends meet. "It is a disgrace that pensioners in a wealthy country like Luxembourg are living in poverty," he stated.

Ruckert criticised what he described as a disproportionate distribution of wealth, highlighting "billions in tax breaks" for large corporations and "hundreds of millions" spent on military equipment. He contrasted these expenditures with the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in the social sector.

The KPL is calling for an immediate increase of €500 gross per month to the minimum pension, with a longer-term goal of raising it by €900. "While €500 is not nearly enough, it would be a good starting point to address the urgent needs of low-income pensioners," Ruckert said.

"We are fed up with their wars!"

The KPL also voiced strong opposition to the potential reintroduction of compulsory military service, with Vice President Alain Herman declaring, "No to compulsory military service! We are fed up with their wars!"

Herman dismissed the arguments in favour of compulsory military or civil service as "flimsy," contending that such proposals are not genuinely aimed at fostering solidarity or resilience. He described "resilience" as a "beautifully technocratic and euphemistic term" used to mask other motives.

The party called for an end to discussions on the matter, vowing to oppose them actively. It also announced a flyer and poster campaign targeting young people, with the aim of promoting critical thinking within Luxembourg society.