The Greens levelled a number of criticisms at the CSV-DP government, saying they did not appear to be prioritising climate protection anymore. In their press statement, the opposition party cited recent developments such as the slashing of subsidies for electric vehicles, electric bikes and solar panels, as well as the cancellation of grants for public charging stations.
The climate crisis has existed for years and costs lives, party co-president François Benoy stressed. “Especially now, climate policy must not be a taboo subject. It belongs at the heart of government policy.”
Joëlle Welfring, the party’s climate policy spokesperson added that the government’s policies hit those already investing in a clean future while discouraging everyone else. “Luxembourg has given up its pioneering role as ambitious climate policy driver, not just on a national, but also on a European level. And this despite the solutions already being on the table – what is missing is political will.”
The Greens also stresses that the current heatwave once again showed the necessity for urban greenery in improving citizens’ overall quality of life in cities and villages. To the party, trees, green spaces, and cooling infrastructure aren’t elements that are “nice to have,” but rather an essential part of adapting to climate.
In that light, Welfring calls on the government to establish permanent funding for nature-based design of urban spaces, instead of relying on occasional appeals. “That would allow municipalities to plan for the long term and implement the urgently needed adaptations to increasing heat and extreme weather events.”
Read also: Charlie Stone: We’re normalising a future that should terrify us
