The general secretary Jean-Louis Zeien told RTL that the gap between the rich and the poor in Luxembourg is constantly climbing, especially since 2011.
He explained that the commission recently provided the government with a report on relevant policies during the upcoming legislative period. Zeien stressed that fighting unemployment is one of the biggest challenges for the government and country at large.
He explained that many believe the improving economic situation has resolved structural issues such as unemployment and poverty. However, Zeien believes the opposite has occurred.
Since 2011, the risk of poverty has been on the rise. He highlighted that the situation is particularly concerning for young people between the ages of 18 and 24. As a result, Zeien called for the government to try and resolve the housing issue as soon as possible. The Church believes it is crucial for people to be able to live off their wages. Raising the minimum wage is, according to the commission, not enough of a solution.
As Zeien explained, it is unacceptable that the next indexation of family allowances will only take place at the end of the next legislative period.
The Church has also called for legislation which will check whether other legislation is sustainable enough to improve the quality of life in Luxembourg. Zeien explained that the first coalition agreement promised to introduce this. He stressed the importance of checking the consequences of new legislation on the economic and environmental reality of the country.
The Church is also concerned about increasing ship traffic, which was not specifically mentioned in the COP21 agreement. On a national scale, Zeien questioned the coalition agreement's promise to develop Luxembourg's shipping sector.
