RTL Today - 'Nobody is perfect': Dippach mayor responds to unprofessional conduct allegations

A months-long power struggle within Dippach's municipal executive board has escalated to mediation, with Mayor Manon Bei-Roller accusing critics of a 'witch hunt', while colleagues cite 'lack of professionalism' in dispute.

The municipal executive board (Schäfferot) of Dippach has confirmed months of internal tensions, prompting the involvement of a mediator to resolve the disputes.

In a joint telephone interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio, Mayor Manon Bei-Roller of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) and Executive Board Member Luc Emering of the Democratic Party (DP) acknowledged the ongoing strife, which includes clashes between Bei-Roller and fellow LSAP board member Philippe Meyers. Meyers initiated an audit to address concerns over workplace dynamics, stating: "I felt uneasy – both within the executive board and in how people were treated." The process, which was supposed to improve the situation, included a staff survey.

Emering noted the audit was intended to "improve the atmosphere" within the executive board. The municipality's staff were also asked for their input during the audit, but many employees later reportedly expressed regret over its implementation. Mayor Bei-Roller stated that "structurally, we've completely overhauled services and empowered teams with their leaders," although she also believes that the audit has had "more negative than positive effects."

Bei-Roller criticised the audit report as "one-sided" and personally targeted, responding tersely when pressed: "What can I say?" Emering interjected, acknowledging her past missteps: "I think Manon certainly made mistakes in the past. There was often a lack of professionalism." Bei-Roller, audible in the background, conceded: "Of course, yes, of course."

Reflecting on the situation, the mayor stressed: "I don't feel guilty at all about not having been professional enough. I worked here like a civil servant. I worked on files." Regarding her unprofessional behaviour, she acknowledged that she "acted way too much like a friend," before adding in English: "Nobody is perfect."

On Monday afternoon, the Dippach municipal executive board held its first mediation session to address the findings of the recent audit. The board also plans to re-engage with staff to improve internal dynamics.

"These mediations aim to ensure smoother operations within the board," Emering said. Mayor Bei-Roller and Philippe Meyers openly acknowledge their disagreements. Emering stressed that both must make concessions, describing his role as "caught between a rock and a hard place." Emering emphasised that neither he nor Bei-Roller are in direct conflict with Meyers.

Meyers, reflecting on tensions with the mayor, noted: "We often agree on core issues, but disagreements arise in execution." He cited management style as a recurring point of contention, though both parties commit to improving communication.

Emering underscored the board's responsibility to model cohesion: "If we can't get along, we can't expect staff to behave in an exemplary manner." Meanwhile, Bei-Roller, who has been mayor of Dippach since 2012, claimed that while some of the staff "want to look to the future with optimism," others "constantly harp on about the negative aspects." She went so far as to compare the situation to a "witch hunt" against her, lamenting that she has "never experienced anything like this."

Meyers highlighted organisational changes, including a revised structure, as initial steps. The board plans to submit a follow-up report to the municipal council.

Despite differences, all members share one goal: restoring calm.