© Domingos Oliveira
Luxembourg lawmakers from across the political spectrum are voicing frustration over being kept in the dark about pension reform talks, as the government delays sharing details until a key meeting on 3 September.
Luxembourg lawmakers, including members of the governing parties, say they have been left in the dark following the second round of social dialogue between the government, unions, and employers. Details of the talks – especially those concerning pension reform – are being withheld until the next scheduled meeting on 3 September, a delay that is now drawing criticism from both the opposition and coalition MPs.
Despite appearances by Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Economy Minister Lex Delles at meetings of their respective parliamentary groups, only general information was shared.
According to RTL sources, even coalition MPs were not given substantive updates about ongoing negotiations. The government argues that sharing details now could jeopardise progress on delicate issues.
Speculation helps no one, acknowledged MP Fred Keup of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) in conversation with reporters. He argued that they should be allowed to negotiate while underlining that decision-making power does not lie with "unions, employers, nor the government, but with the Chamber".
Opposition wants to know 'what's on the table’
Opposition parties reacted strongly to the long summer silence ahead. MP Taina Bofferding, leader of the parliamentary group of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), questioned the logic of such a long delay given the recent wave of public discontent and protests.
There is a lot of "unrest" and a lot of questions, she said, referring to the thousands of people who recently demonstrated in the streets of the capital. Bofferding said she understood people need their summer holidays but warned that details would still likely leak before 3 September.
MP Sam Tanson of The Greens echoed her concern, emphasising the need for transparency so MPs can prepare for their legislative role. "We are the ones who in the end have to implement and vote on these texts", she said, adding that a previously planned committee meeting was suddenly cancelled. "We insist that the government report back to the Chamber very soon."
Tanson underlined that lawmakers have to know "what's on the table" so that they can position themselves.
MP David Wagner of The Left (Déi Lénk) criticised the prime minister's silence during and after last week's parliamentary session. It was "a bit strange", he said, referring to the lack of response to MPs' questions.
While Wagner agreed with Michel Reckinger – President of the Luxembourg Employers' Association (UEL) – that the economy is facing challenges, he argued the root cause lies not in early retirement but in low wages. When business leaders talk about economic issues, they're really talking about their own interests, Wagner said.
All eyes are on 3 September – a date that looms large for a country navigating a pivotal reform agenda.
