After the designated CSV lead candidate Luc Frieden cancelled his appearance on short notice, RTL’s François Aulner sat down with Elisabeth Margue, CSV co-president, Erna Hennicot, former CSV minister and party president, and Pierre Lorang, publisher at Forum magazine and CSV member, about Frieden’s political comeback.
Officially confirmed: Luc Frieden designated CSV lead candidateWhen asked about the front runner’s controversial past, all three shared their belief that Frieden has changed in the meantime. “I think that he has evolved and is no longer the same person he was as a minister,” said Hennicot. She stated that she stands fully behind Frieden and said that she respects his decision to give up all other positions so that he can fully dedicate himself to the party.
Lorang admitted that he has not yet fully made up his mind about the return of Frieden. However, he is happy that Fernand Ernster, the owner of a medium-sized enterprise, will succeed Frieden as president of the Chamber of Commerce.
Margue explained that the Christian Social People’s Party held a first meeting on their manifesto on Saturday morning. She welcomes Frieden’s decision to wait until the party has set a course before communicating their plans in detail.
According to Lorang’s estimations, none of the parties are well prepared to deal with challenges such as technological progress, climate, or wildlife conservation. In the case of the CSV, it is not enough to have MP Paul Galles be the only person to take a political stance on the climate crisis, said Lorang.
Margue advocated for pragmatism and involving businesses more into the climate protection process. She cited hydrogen as an example for an area where no plan exists and argued that the government has failed to set an example.
Hennicot drew attention to the agricultural sector and ways of improving wildlife protection. She said that progress requires sacrifices.
Margue explained that the CSV is in favour of adapting employment laws and collective agreements to make work hours more flexible rather than introducing a 36-hour week. She also spoke of challenges finding qualified personnel, which in return increases stress.
Hennicot brought up the issue of raising the retirement age, a proposal that has recently been sparking nation-wide protests across France.
Lorang said it was “remarkable” how MP Marc Spautz acknowledged that the CSV is split into different factions during an RTL interview earlier this week. Lorang stated that this used to be a taboo among party members.
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