The year 1989 was indeed a pivotal moment in both global and local contexts. Internationally, the world witnessed major events like the Soviet Union’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Tian’anmen Square massacre in Beijing, George H.W. Bush’s inauguration as U.S. President, and the symbolic fall of the Berlin Wall. Each of these events significantly reshaped global politics and societies.
In Luxembourg, the political scene was marked by a significant development: the election of Gast Gibéryen and three of his colleagues to the Chamber of Deputies for the first time. At the time, few, including Gibéryen himself, could have predicted the long-lasting impact he would have on Luxembourgish politics. Gibéryen went on to serve for an impressive 31 years, establishing himself as one of the country’s most prominent opposition figures. In 2020, at the age of 70, he decided to retire, passing on his seat to Fred Keup.
Gibéryen was a key figure in the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), which was founded in 1987 under the name “Aktiounskomitee 5/6 Pensioun fir jiddwereen” (Action Committee 5/6ths Pensions for Everyone). One of his most significant political achievements was his role in the establishment of a unified pension system in Luxembourg in 1999, a reform that he fought for despite facing substantial opposition.
The struggle over pension reform reached a peak in mid-1998 when the Chamber of Deputies voted to definitively abolish the 5/6 pension system. This decision sparked widespread protests, with over 20,000 civil servants demonstrating at Knuedler square. Due to renovations in the Chamber, the voting sessions were held in the City Hall of Luxembourg City, where tensions ran high. Some protesters even resorted to throwing eggs at MPs who supported the abolition. Gibéryen humorously recalls being hit so heavily that he was “an omelette from head to toe.” The police, who were meant to protect the MPs with umbrellas, reportedly lowered them and ducked when Gibéryen arrived, as they were civil servants themselves.
Despite these challenges, relations with the civil service eventually normalised, and today, the majority of ADR MPs have backgrounds in the public sector.
The City-Tunnel could one day become reality
When asked if the success of the tram, a project the ADR had consistently opposed, could be considered the greatest defeat of his political career, Gibéryen did not fully agree. He stressed that the ADR’s proposal for an underground City-Tunnel was not confined to just the city of Luxembourg.
The new CSV-DP government has not played all its cards yet
Gibéryen, long-time opposition politician, finds it challenging to evaluate the new Christian Social People’s Party (CSV)-Democratic Party (DP) government. He notes that no significant budgetary measures affecting people’s finances could be implemented before the European elections, and he believes the first real budget to scrutinise will be for 2025. Gibéryen feels the debate around the begging ban was overstated, observing that it primarily targeted organised begging, which has been largely addressed under the new system.
Despite the changes, Gibéryen remains confident about the ADR’s role in opposition. He anticipates that while the ADR may support certain policies, such as a more pragmatic approach to environmental issues, there will be decisions they will oppose. His focus is on constructive opposition, with a light-hearted comment: “As long as they do what we want, we’ll support them.”
Gibéryen expresses great satisfaction with the state of his party, describing the internal atmosphere as “fantastic.” This positive mood is partly attributed to recent electoral successes. The ADR increased its seats in the Chamber of Deputies from four to five and, for the first time, secured a mandate in the European Parliament with Fernand Kartheiser. Gibéryen praises Kartheiser’s deep knowledge, which he deems essential for making an impact within the expansive EU Parliament.
Ukraine - Russia war
Fernand Kartheiser’s recent positions on the Ukraine conflict and the U.S. elections have generated significant controversy. Reflecting on the Ukraine war, Gast Gibéryen acknowledges that the ADR faced internal debates early on about its stance. Ultimately, the party adopted a resolution at a congress that has guided their position since then. The ADR has consistently condemned Russia’s invasion as unacceptable. However, Gibéryen argues that achieving peace requires a diplomatic solution, as military support for Ukraine and economic sanctions against Russia alone will not resolve the conflict.
Gibéryen contends that Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he describes as a “dictator,” is unlikely to withdraw from Ukraine without achieving some form of success due to his domestic political constraints. He predicts that Russia will eventually gain control over parts of Ukraine and that Ukraine will have to commit to military neutrality. While Gibéryen sees potential for Ukraine to join the European Union, he opposes its membership in NATO.
Trump or Harris, it is the same
Regarding the U.S. elections, Gast Gibéryen, representing the ADR, firmly maintains that the party does not interfere in the internal politics of other countries. He underscores that it is up to the American people to elect their leaders: “You can’t say they voted poorly; they voted for what they wanted.” With President Joe Biden choosing not to seek re-election, the race has become very competitive. Gibéryen personally expresses indifference between a potential victory for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, as long as the winner is committed to peace.
Controversy has also arisen over Facebook posts by ADR MP Tom Weidig, who criticised the artist “Tatta Tom” for conducting readings at the Esch Library and later at the Agricultural School. Weidig argued that “Tatta Tom” perpetuates harmful stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community and that the content of the books was inappropriate for young children, potentially leading to premature sexualisation. When questioned about whether this criticism aligns with a party that advocates for freedom of speech, Gibéryen clarifies that the issue is not with the content but where this content was presented. The ADR believes that parents, not educators, should decide when their children are exposed to sexual content. Nonetheless, Gibéryen also condemns any form of bullying based on sexual orientation.
In his retirement, Gast Gibéryen enjoys staying active. He spends his mornings gardening and walking his dog. Now residing in Frisange with his wife, they take advantage of their more flexible schedule to travel, something they now do more than in the past.
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