Tensions within the ruling coalition in Contern are rising after the LSAP's Stéphanie Ansay on Tuesday stepped down as first alderwoman amid an ongoing dispute over bullying allegations within the municipality.

Stéphanie Ansay of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) announced her resignation as alderwoman during a municipal council meeting, where the LSAP voted against its coalition partner, the Christian Social People's Party (CSV), by opposing further legal action in a case involving two municipal employees. The employees had previously accused the municipality of fostering a toxic work environment.

Speaking to RTL, LSAP councillor Pol Thomé acknowledged that it is unusual for a party to vote against its coalition partner, calling Ansay's resignation a "strong signal".

The LSAP, along with the Democratic Party (DP) and The Greens (Déi Gréng), voted against pursuing a cassation appeal in the bullying case, arguing that the outcome is uncertain and could further burden taxpayers. So far, the dispute has cost the municipality €430,000 – including €130,000 in legal fees.

"A fundamental discussion must now be held with the CSV to determine whether we're still pulling in the same direction", Thomé said while declining to speculate on the future of the coalition.

For now, Thomé is expected to take over as alderman, while Ansay would remain on the council – effectively swapping roles within the LSAP. However, Thomé stressed that nothing is decided yet.

From a purely numerical standpoint, the LSAP does have the option of forming a new majority coalition with the DP and The Greens, mirroring a previous alliance that governed Contern from 2011 to 2017.

Green Councillor Jean-Jacques Arrensdorff told RTL that such a coalition worked well in the past, and he sees no issue with reviving the arrangement. He does not see how the CSV and LSAP will be able to get the necessary votes.