As the editors’ guest on RTL.lu on Monday morning, Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) deputy Laurent Zeimet questioned whether the situation had to escalate to the point of having to host a demonstration the size of the one which took place on 28 June.
The politician mentioned the negative connotation of having such a large amount of people to take to the streets and protest against government policy. Even though multiple reasons were behind the protest, the main intention was to rebuild dialogue and an authentic social relationship. Thus, it is all the more important for the parliamentary parties to take it seriously.
Zeimet said Luc Frieden is the Prime Minister for the whole country, but like everyone else he is not immune to making mistakes. He had even admitted his desire to change things.
The Prime Minister’s remarks about pensions during the State of the Nation address should have been less specific, especially since consultations were still ongoing. But it is always easier to recognise mistakes when they have already been made, he continues.
In the eyes of the CSV MP, it is now especially important that the unions, employers and government sit down together on 9 July. At that meeting, an agenda must be set for what should be discussed in the coming weeks, because it’s clear that there isn’t enough time to resolve everything on 9 July alone.
Laurent Zeimet mentioned the importance of hearing out all discussion partners, although compromising is a quintessential part in their relationship. He was hopeful that the trade unions would accept the invitation for 9 July (which they did later in the morning).
“I notice the Council of State rarely gets flowers for its opinions – there’s always someone unhappy when they’re more critical,” said Laurent Zeimet about the opinions issued by the Council of State on two controversial draft laws: one on Sunday work and the other on the liberalisation of shop opening hours.
Both draft bills have sparked much discontent. Laurent Zeimet himself was a member of the Council of State for a year and a half and sees the high body as fully within its role.
The Council of State pointed out certain inconsistencies, which must be acknowledged. Those who are satisfied with this opinion today were the same who claimed others were politically motivated, Zeimet recalled.
“To be completely honest, I am not a fan of Sunday work”, Zeimet admitted. His parents owned a bakery and therefore had to work every Sunday, which had repercussions on their family life.
He also rarely hears from people on the street that they want to work on Sundays. Of course, some shop owners are in favour, but here too a compromise must be found.
CSV parliamentary leader Marc Spautz had already proposed months ago a way to reach agreement with unions through inter-professional agreements. Collective agreements should also be maintained, and it is essential to include the social partners.
Had people listened to Marc Spautz, they might already be a step further by now. However, it’s never too late to improve things, said Laurent Zeimet.
The CSV deputy confirms that if the laws remain in their current state, he will not be voting for them. He did not want to address possible consequences of such an action. The deputy is expecting everyone to be willing to compromise and find a solution.
