The Bettendorf municipal council has voted eight to three against continuing merger discussions with the neighbouring communes of Erpeldange-sur-Sûre, Diekirch, Ettelbruck, and Schieren, effectively halting progress toward the Nordstad merger. The decision, taken on Wednesday afternoon, runs counter to the clear will of the local population, who had expressed support for the merger with over 57% approval in a March referendum.
Despite the referendum’s outcome, the topic now appears to be off the table. Mayor Patrick Mergen cited lingering uncertainties as a possible reason for the council’s decision. He suggested that the commune may explore closer cooperation with nearby Tandel.
Mayor Mergen, along with alderman Lucien Kurtisi and councillor Suzette Serres, voted in favour of continuing the talks. However, alderman Andy Derneden and seven other councillors voted against.
The Bettendorf Citizens’ Initiative voiced strong disappointment on Wednesday evening in an official press release (LUX), accusing the council of disregarding a clear democratic mandate. The group emphasised that the referendum was not merely symbolic but a binding expression of the public will. Continuing discussions, they argued, would not have automatically led to a merger, but would have allowed for open debate, clarification of concerns, and a transparent decision-making process.
