ADR considers disciplinary action against MP Tom Weidig

On Tuesday, the executive committee of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) approved a request by Party President Alexandra Schoos and Secretary General Luc Reyter to initiate disciplinary proceedings against MP Tom Weidig.

The decision followed Weidig's recent act of liking a Facebook comment that advocated for the "extermination" of "LGBTQ".

In an interview with our colleagues from RTL Télé, Schoos confirmed that the executive committee, comprising 17 members, approved the request with a two-thirds majority. The matter will now move to the national committee, which includes over 50 members, for further consideration. If the national committee also approves the request, the party will determine the appropriate consequences for Weidig. These could range from an official warning to, in extreme cases, expulsion from the party. Weidig will have the opportunity to present his case before any final decision is made.

On Wednesday morning, the ADR issued an official statement on its Facebook page, condemning both the comment and Weidig's like as "unacceptable." Schoos and Reyter also apologised on behalf of the party to anyone who felt discriminated against by Weidig's actions.

This incident has drawn parallels to a similar case eight years ago, when the ADR expelled member Joe Thein for liking a post that wished for the death of then-Foreign Affairs Minister Jean Asselborn. When asked whether Weidig would face the same outcome, Schoos declined to comment directly. She emphasised that while she does not intend to protect Weidig, the MP has claimed he liked the comment inadvertently. Schoos also noted that Weidig's status as a sitting MP adds complexity to the situation, requiring careful consideration.

The controversy has sparked broader political repercussions. On Tuesday, the Chamber of Deputies unanimously passed a resolution condemning attacks on human rights, violence, hatred, and discrimination against minorities. The resolution, tabled by all parties except the ADR, was ultimately supported by the ADR as well.

When questioned about whether the ADR is portraying itself as a victim in this situation, Schoos acknowledged that "that’s one way to see it." However, she countered by emphasising that "we have to play by the same rules." Schoos argued that if the ADR is subjected to intense scrutiny and "attacked" for its actions, the same standard should apply to others.