© Annick Goerens / RTL
On Monday morning, the Fokus party took centre stage in conversation with RTL Radio, where party leader Marc Ruppert unveiled its new slogan: The Reasonable Alternative.
The updated branding is a clear attempt to distinguish the party from other groups that, according to Ruppert, have misused the term 'alternative' for populist ends, naming parties like Luxembourg's Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) or the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as examples. He stated that Fokus aims to reclaim the term and offer a meaningful political alternative, especially by focusing on growth criticism.
Ruppert clarified that their issue isn't with economic or population growth itself, but rather with the way successive governments have managed it. To illustrate his point, he invoked a sharp metaphor originally coined by the controversial lawyer Gaston Vogel, one where a fungal infection appears in an unreachable spot, leaving people helpless. In Ruppert's view, Luxembourg's politics have brought about a similar fungal infection, manifesting in housing, security, and mobility problems, caused by unchecked growth and political shortsightedness.
Despite knowing for over 25 years that the country would reach 700,000 residents, he argued, no major party has taken the necessary long-term decisions to prepare for it.
Fokus, he emphasised, wants to break this short-term cycle. Inspired by Finland's parliamentary model, Ruppert explained that the party is proposing a new permanent commission in Parliament dedicated to future planning. This would allow MPs to debate and develop long-term policies beyond the five-year election cycle, freeing them from the pressure of always campaigning for re-election, he said. Ruppert argued further that the current system encourages politicians to act more like short-term managers than true decision-makers.
The party's mission
Fokus received about 2.5% of the vote in the last national elections, earning public funding but not a parliamentary seat. Ruppert said this support gives them a mandate to continue, though he acknowledged that many voters still don't fully understand what the party stands for.
That is why they've added the subtitle "The Reasonable Alternative", with a renewed focus on topics that people feel directly affected by.
At the same time, he insisted, the party has firm positions on all current issues. On social dialogue, for example, Ruppert believes the country is clearly in crisis. While he does not claim to be a fan of Labour Minister Georges Mischo, he is even more critical of PM Luc Frieden, accusing him of abandoning his team in the midst of a storm instead of offering leadership.
Healthcare and pension reform
When it comes to healthcare, Ruppert painted a dire picture: the system is on life support, if not already beyond saving. He warned that private investors are circling like vultures, and lamented the government's inaction. He explained that Fokus firmly opposes a two-tier medical system and widespread privatisation, but current trends, he warned, point in that direction. He also highlighted the growing challenge of an ageing population, noting that the number of residents over 65 is expected to double in the next 25 years. More forward-thinking solutions are urgently needed, he said.
On pensions, Ruppert argued that concrete incentives are needed to keep older people in the workforce longer. He also suggested introducing a national civic service, which would offer young people early work experience and allow them to start contributing to social security. In terms of supporting families, Ruppert stated that Fokus wants to offer extra aid to those raising children.
Leadership and future outlook
Fokus' previous top candidate, Frank Engel, who earned 7,100 votes in the last election compared to Ruppert's 3,900, has stepped back from frontline politics and does not intend to run again. But Ruppert remains confident that the party can perform well even without its former figurehead. Currently, Fokus counts around 230 to 240 members. Ruppert clarified that Monica Semedo, former MEP accused of harassment by her staff, did not renew her membership and that that chapter is closed.
