The topic of coexistence and integration appears to vary in significance across these programmes, with ASTI highlighting the need for greater emphasis.
In recent months, ASTI has actively engaged in formulating integration demands and holding discussions with all seven political parties represented in the Chamber of Deputies. However, the release of the electoral programmes revealed that most of the issues and proposals discussed during these meetings were conspicuously absent.
ASTI’s President, Evandro Cimetta, voiced his concerns, stating, “when integration issues do not feature prominently in electoral programmes, it becomes less likely that they will find a place in government agendas following the elections.” Cimetta further noted, “this process, from our perspective, does not contribute to the desired openness toward non-Luxembourg nationals that we demand.”
According to ASTI, the electoral programmes have given inadequate attention to integration concerns. The primary focus for most parties appears to be on “selected migration,” which emphasises supporting sectors facing labour shortages by integrating migrant workers. Cimetta stressed that this approach prioritises economic gains over the well-being of individuals.
ASTI advocates for a renewed effort to regularise undocumented immigrants, a policy last implemented in 2013. Back then, Luxembourg authorised the stay of 543 individuals who had been living and working illegally within its borders. Sérgio Ferreira of ASTI elaborated on the benefits, stating, “this approach is a win-win situation. Undocumented individuals often live like any other citizens in the country but lack essential rights. In recent years, we have witnessed instances of exploitation among this population. The state also benefits as these individuals contribute to the tax base.”
Estimates suggest that in 2023, around 600 to 800 individuals could potentially benefit from a similar regularisation effort.
ASTI also expressed its concerns regarding the political participation of foreigners and their right to vote. While the topic gained significant attention just before municipal elections, ASTI is apprehensive that it may fade into obscurity for the next five years. ASTI is urging for a policy of “direct enrolment” at the time of municipal registration, allowing all residents to exercise their right to vote. Even if a referendum on voting rights for foreigners yielded a negative result in 2015, ASTI believes it is up to politicians to revisit and reconsider this matter over the next half-decade. According to Cimetta, “we recognise that politicians can make decisions, even if they are initially met with resistance. In the long term, people realise that it was the right decision.”
ASTI has also raised concerns about the government’s approach to addressing issues like discrimination and xenophobia, suggesting that these matters have been underestimated. The organisation stresses the importance of collecting statistics and local data to inform discussions and policy decisions related to these issues. To this end, ASTI has been advocating for the establishment of an observatory dedicated to monitoring racism, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism for several years. However, this initiative is currently said to be “with some inter-ministerial delegate in the Ministry of State.”
