With nearly two thirds of the votes, MPs in the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday rejected a motion to expand protective measures for vulnerable individuals, including children, facing expulsion from National Reception Office (ONA) facilities. MP Meris Šehović of the Green Party (Déi Gréng) had called for urgent action, highlighting delays in processing residence permits and family reunification and submitting a motion to halt these expulsions and address broader issues of integration and support for refugees.
Read also: Opposition calls for halt to expulsions of vulnerable asylum seekersRead also: Luxembourg civil servant resigns in protest over government asylum policyWhen this last point of the day’s agenda was discussed in parliament, neither of the responsible ministers, Gloden nor Hahn, were present to face lawmakers’ questions. Pirate Party MP Sven Clement alleged that both administration members lacked the “courage” to respond to simple questions, including if a mother and her baby were really expelled in the middle of winter.
It thus came down to other members of the governing coalition to provide explanations. MP Mandy Minella of the Democratic Party (DP) emphasised, among other points, that there was a shortage of available beds in the facilities, adding that the minister is “tirelessly” urging municipalities to offer help. She further suggested that local officials in the Chamber should start taking responsibility instead of putting the blame on others.
MP Marc Baum from The Left (Déi Lénk) delivered a sharp response: “For heaven’s sake, which parties are in charge of the municipalities here in Luxembourg? Who holds the majority in Luxembourg City, Esch, or Differdange? And in all the other municipalities too! Maybe it’s time to have a conversation with your own people first.”
MP Liz Braz from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) also criticised the government’s refugee policies. She labelled it “paradoxical” to invite the Pope and have him criticise people for not having enough children while the government shows itself unwilling to support refugees who are eager to integrate and build a life in Luxembourg.
MP Stéphanie Weydert of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) emphasised that Home Affairs Minister Léon Gloden is working on optimising delays in the procedures, stating that while the delays are long, it is crucial that each case be examined individually.
