In an interview on RTL Radio, Environment Minister Serge Wilmes dismissed speculation about a government reshuffle, defended his colleagues, and reaffirmed Luxembourg's climate strategy ahead of COP30, stressing the country's commitment to sustainable growth and the EU's emissions targets.
Wilmes dismissed recent rumours of a government reshuffle, describing the claims published in the weekly d'Land and discussed on the RTL Presseclub as unfounded speculation and exaggerated portrayals.
In the article, it was suggested that PM Luc Frieden was exhausted, while several ministers were described as politically vulnerable or waiting in the wings for 2028. Wilmes refuted this narrative, affirming that the coalition between the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) and the Democratic Party (DP) was functioning well, characterised by mutual respect and strong collaboration.
He also firmly reiterated Frieden's dual role as party president and PM, calling him the "undisputed leader" of the government and stating that the plan was to continue working under his leadership for the next three years before seeking a renewed mandate for a further five.
Regarding internal tensions, Wilmes defended his colleague Georges Mischo, the Minister of Labour, who was recently criticised in a joint letter from the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB). Wilmes praised Mischo's response to the criticism as mature and self-aware, noting that it is rare for politicians to publicly acknowledge their mistakes. He emphasised the importance of moving forwards and maintaining a calm and respectful dialogue with social partners, particularly when tackling major upcoming projects.
COP30 climate summit
Turning to COP30, which takes place in Belém, Brazil, Wilmes acknowledged criticisms of the summit's scale, with around 50,000 participants expected. He said he had already voiced his concern directly to the event's organisers back in June, suggesting that "smaller might be better."
While Luxembourg will not be participating independently, it will be represented as part of the EU delegation, Wilmes said. He underlined the importance of such events for securing funding and partnerships for concrete initiatives, such as reforestation, coastal protection, and support for developing countries in their climate transitions.
He also welcomed the EU's newly agreed emissions reduction target of -90% by 2040 compared to 1990, noting that even though there is some built-in flexibility, the commitment still provides a clear path and essential planning certainty. Wilmes described the agreement as a necessary compromise, one that gives the EU the moral ground to encourage stronger climate commitments from major emitters like China, India, and the United States. He highlighted that although the US federal government is not sending top-level representatives, various states and cities will be represented at COP30.
Balancing economic growth and environmental policy
On Luxembourg's own progress, Wilmes stated that the country remains on track to meet its climate goals, aiming for a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2005. Current progress stands at 33%, with five years left to close the gap.
He acknowledged the challenge of maintaining this trajectory while also supporting economic growth and strengthening purchasing power. However, he argued that the government's approach, which includes promoting renewable energy, simplifying procedures, supporting innovation, and offering targeted subsidies, proves that climate and environmental policy can function as a growth model. The key, he said, is to generate wealth in a clean and sustainable way.
