© Annick Goerens
In conversation with RTL Radio on Monday, MP Jeff Engelen of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) talked about his decision to step down from the Chamber of Deputies to allow a younger colleague, Michel Lemaire, to take over.
Engelen said he wanted to give his younger successor enough time to gain experience and visibility, explaining that stepping down only a few months before an election would not have allowed that. He described his decision as being in the interest of youth, noting that the next generation within the party deserves opportunities to establish itself.
Although leaving national politics, Engelen will remain active in the Wincrange municipal council, where he says he still enjoys working with a cohesive team that gets along well despite the occasional disagreement, adding that cooperation and good humour remain central to their work.
Personal background
A long-standing member of the ADR, Engelen first became involved in the late 1980s, when the party emerged from the citizens' movement advocating for fair pensions, called at the time Action Committee 5/6 Pension for Everyone. He recalled that the early ADR brought together people from diverse political backgrounds, which sometimes made coordination difficult. For him, however, the spirit of teamwork was always the key factor.
Asked about the party's reputation for controversial or populist statements in recent years, Engelen argued that the media often amplify such moments, although he acknowledged that mistakes happen in every party. He added that social media has made political communication harsher, saying politicians now need to weigh their words more carefully than before.
In the interest of the north of Luxembourg
Throughout his time in parliament, Engelen has focused on representing the north of Luxembourg, which he believes has made great progress thanks to local initiatives. He highlighted how, since the 1970s, municipalities in the region have joined forces to develop industrial zones, music schools, and other community projects, significantly improving living conditions.
Still, he warned against excessive centralisation of public services, citing the closure of the registration office in Clervaux as an example. Moving such services to Diekirch, he argued, makes life harder for staff and residents and goes against the logic of digitalisation and teleworking.
After retiring from national politics, Engelen plans to stay busy. He remains president of a local tourism association, secretary of a local association in Troine, and is active in local history projects. He also intends to take up photography and spend more time outdoors.
