High rents remain one of the main challenges facing businesses in Luxembourg City, according to Fabricio Costa, a local councillor for The Greens (déi gréng), who spoke on RTL Radio on Tuesday morning.
After numerous discussions with business owners, Costa concluded that the City should purchase more commercial premises and make them available to businesses – particularly in the Gare district, where affordable space is especially scarce.
Costa revealed that, based on figures provided by the municipality, Luxembourg City owns forty premises across its territory. However, half are located in Ville Haute, while only two are in the Gare district. "There is clearly untapped potential", the councillor commented.
While Costa acknowledged criticism that lower rents in city-owned spaces could create unfair competition, he argued that this should not deter the City from offering such support. According to him, new, successful businesses are likely to encourage further investment and revitalise surrounding areas.
Costa also responded to criticism from within the Democratic Party (DP) itself, accusing the DP-CSV majority of neglecting security in the Gare district.
He attributed some of the area's social and safety challenges to the current policy of "concentrating everything in one neighbourhood", a strategy he believes is counterproductive.
To illustrate his point, Costa cited the example of Zurich, Switzerland. In the 1990s, Zurich not only increased police presence and introduced stricter measures, but also expanded access to therapy and, crucially, decentralised social support structures, according to Costa.
Six years ago, Luxembourg City mayor Lydie Polfer also referenced Zurich's approach, yet argued against decentralisation in the capital, warning that greater provision of services would attract more people in need.
Costa expressed disappointment at public disagreements within the DP and said he would prefer a comprehensive strategy addressing not just security, but also urban planning and pedestrian-friendly spaces.
The interview also covered the issue of urban greenery in Luxembourg City. According to Costa, a new greening strategy, previously mentioned by mayor Polfer during June's heatwave, is set to be presented to the relevant municipal committee on Tuesday afternoon.
Costa stressed the importance of identifying "urban heat islands" and warned against superficial "token measures" such as placing planters on concrete. He insisted that green initiatives must involve genuine de-sealing of surfaces to be effective.
Costa also commented on the announced resignation of Green MP Joëlle Welfring from the Chamber of Deputies, saying: "It is never good to lose such a committed and competent MP as Joëlle Welfring."
Having worked as her parliamentary attaché, Costa said he had witnessed her deep engagement with legislative dossiers. He attributed her resignation to changing professional projects. The Greens, however, will continue to benefit from the experience of Josée Lorsché, who is set to take Welfring's seat in parliament, Costa concluded.
