On Monday, the online news site Reporter.lu published an investigation into the budget management of the non-profit “FrEsch,” which oversees much of Esch’s cultural management and events. The report highlighted opaque and questionable accounting practices within the organisation. Pim Knaff, a member of the Esch municipal executive board (Schäfferot) who was recently convicted of aggravated tax fraud, serves as the president of FrEsch.
In response to these revelations, Mayor Weis acknowledged his role as a mediator between the municipal council and FrEsch. He emphasised the need for clear communication and insisted that all councillors receive financial documents from the non-profit. Weis stated that FrEsch must review its governance and statutes, with more detailed information, including the 2023 financial report, to be provided to the municipal council by the start of autumn.
Regarding the planned sports museum and sports arena in Esch-Lankelz, Mayor Weis confirmed that the project will not proceed. The municipality is now seeking alternatives in collaboration with local sports clubs to address the community’s actual needs. Weis noted that Esch already has a sports hall in need of renovation, which could present an opportunity to address both issues simultaneously.
Weis suggested that the national project for the sports arena and sports museum, overseen by the Ministry of Sport, could be separated. While the municipality would still support the establishment of a museum, it would not be a municipal project and could be located elsewhere, as other sites are being considered.
Mayor Weis assured that all housing plans for Lankelz will continue as planned, alongside other housing projects in Esch. He stressed that the city is preparing for significant growth, aiming to reach 50,000 residents by 2050.
