
© Annick Goerens
In an interview with RTL Radio on Monday marking the parliamentary reopening, parliamentary leader of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) Marc Spautz defended feminism, called for stronger social dialogue, expressed optimism over resolving tensions with doctors, and urged the creation of full-time MPs.
Marc Spautz criticised a letter published last Saturday in the Luxemburger Wort by MP Gérard Schockmel of the Democratic Party (DP), who had argued in strongly anti-feminist terms against enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution. Schockmel had claimed there was "systematic discrimination against men", spoke of the "violent promotion" of women to senior positions, and warned of a so-called "dictatorship of feminism".
Spautz said he disagreed entirely with those statements and expressed support for Gender Equality Minister Yuriko Backes, who had reiterated that feminism is not directed against men but rather promotes human rights for everyone: women, men, and the LGBTIQ+ community. Spautz said it was important that Backes had reaffirmed that message.
'Better to continue bilaterally than to have empty chairs'
Turning to other issues, Spautz commented on the latest Politmonitor poll, which showed the CSV down by four seats if elections were held today. He agreed with PM Luc Frieden that the survey should be seen in context, as it was conducted immediately after the contentious pension reform and debates surrounding abortion rights, both sensitive issues for the party's traditional electorate.
However, Spautz said that such results should not be ignored and that the CSV needed to improve how it communicates with the public and rebuild trust with social partners. The government, he explained, was now pursuing bilateral talks with trade unions to re-establish confidence after tensions in the tripartite meetings. When asked whether this bilateral approach amounted to an admission of failure, Spautz replied that it was better to continue discussions between two sides than to pursue a policy of empty chairs.
Health quadripartite: Possible progress with doctors
Monday will also see the traditional quadripartite meeting between social partners, the National Health Fund (CNS), and the government, against a backdrop of discontent among doctors and growing tensions with Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez. Last week, the Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD) announced its intention to terminate its convention with the CNS.
Spautz expressed optimism that potential solutions could emerge during the meeting, noting that Minister Deprez had already told the parliamentary committee that the state's contribution to the CNS budget would increase by €59 million, creating some financial breathing room. He added that from 2027, an increase in social contributions could also be envisaged.
He also highlighted that a new CNS president would take office on 1 November, which could bring "fresh ideas and new methods" to the table, helping to rebuild trust and cooperation among all healthcare partners, from doctors and midwives to pharmacists and physiotherapists.
Budget and tax reform
Spautz also addressed Finance Minister Gilles Roth's newly presented budget and the planned tax reform, describing it as a welcome measure aimed at easing the financial burden on households. He explained that while the full cost could not yet be calculated, the goal was clear: to give working people greater financial relief. He said that further details, including the financial breakdown, would be made public once the draft law was finalised.
Spautz reaffirmed his confidence in PM Frieden as CSV party leader, saying it would be up to Frieden to decide whether to seek re-election at the next national congress in spring 2026, but that he expected him to be reconfirmed.
'Urgently necessary' to introduce full-time MPs
Finally, Spautz also reiterated his call for Luxembourg to create full-time parliamentary positions, describing it as "urgently necessary". He argued that Luxembourg is one of the last countries in the EU to still have what he called a "half-day parliament" for private-sector MPs, even though the workload has long exceeded what can be done part-time.
He said MPs should have the same opportunity as mayors in municipalities with more than 6,000 residents, who work full-time, and that deputies should be able to do the same. To achieve this, the political leave allowance for MPs would need to be doubled from 20 to 40 hours per week, enabling them to work from Monday to Friday.