© René Pfeiffer / RTL
The Green Party has accused Luxembourg's government of creating false policy dichotomies in what MP Sam Tanson called an "unnecessary" crisis of social dialogue.
At its event marking the end of the parliamentary year on Wednesday, the Green Party (Déi Gréng) launched a broad critique of the current government coalition, with MP Sam Tanson declaring the country's social dialogue to be in an "entirely homemade and unnecessary crisis."
The Greens accused the coalition of destabilising key policy areas through divisive approaches. They highlighted how pension reforms have framed older and younger generations against each other, while economic policies have created false choices between growth and worker protections. Environmental debates, they argued, have similarly been reduced to a counterproductive clash between climate action and housing needs.
Parliament 'sidelined' in key decisions
Tanson particularly emphasised what she called the systematic marginalisation of the Chamber of Deputies, especially regarding ongoing labour negotiations between the government and social partners. "There's a persistent lack of respect for parliament," she stated, calling the situation "regrettable".
The Green MP noted even the DP – the CSV's coalition partner – had criticised Prime Minister Luc Frieden's communication style. Tanson suggested Frieden's political isolation is growing, with speculation that Finance Minister Gilles Roth may be positioning himself as a potential successor.
Progress on parliamentary transparency, but Greens demand more
Tanson offered measured praise for Chamber of Deputies President Claude Wiseler's initiative to livestream committee sessions, while criticising its limited scope. Though 18 committees will begin broadcasting proceedings from 15 September, key panels covering defence, foreign affairs, finance, economic matters, and petitions will remain exempt – a decision Tanson called unjustified.
The Greens argue the blanket exclusion of sensitive committees overlooks a simple solution: allowing MPs to close specific sessions when necessary.
Tanson stated that it appears that not everyone seems to have read the constitution carefully and perhaps some consider it a text just like any other – "which it definitely is not!" As an example, Tanson cited the Caritas case last week, the motion calling for increased respect of parliament, and the large number of requests to gain access to documents.
Fiscal concerns raised
Tanson voiced alarm over potential spending cuts, urging continued investment in mobility, education, healthcare, and climate protection. She warned against repeating what she characterised as Finance Minister Gilles Roth's fiscal approach in Mamer, where she claims he "spent money that wasn't there" – a practice the Greens fear may now be applied nationally as budget pressures mount.
