The latest “Politmonitor” poll revealed that Jean Asselborn emerged as the frontrunner in popularity among the country’s politicians, surpassing his party colleague Paulette Lenert. However, in an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Saturday, Asselborn stressed that his personal popularity is not his primary concern.
He said that he would “not necessarily” run in the upcoming legislative elections to remain as Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position he has held for 20 years, or to pursue a government post in general.
When asked about the possibility of becoming an MP in the Chamber of Deputies following the elections on 8 October, Asselborn did not provide a definitive answer. He stated that such decisions would be contingent upon the election results.
Regarding his role as co-lead candidate for the party’s list in the South, Asselborn affirmed that the southern list has always been and still represents a significant draw for the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP).
However, he acknowledged that the success of the party would also rely on the performance of other constituencies and their respective lists, which he believes also feature strong candidates.
Jean Asselborn “accepts” that the national LSAP lead candidate, Paulette Lenert, is running in her home district of eastern Luxembourg and not directly against Xavier Bettel (Democratic Party - DP) and Luc Frieden (Christian Social People’s Party - CSV) in the central district.
On international matters, Asselborn highlighted the importance of the NATO accession of Finland and Sweden, which he believes will strengthen the Alliance.
He expressed regret over Turkish President Erdoğan’s veto that had blocked Sweden’s NATO accession for an extended period, deeming it “an unjustifiable act of blackmail.”
Asselborn asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed to “destroy” NATO, but instead, the alliance has grown stronger and more unified. According to Asselborn, NATO remains the primary security guarantee for countries seeking protection from Putin’s actions.
While Asselborn acknowledged Ukraine’s eagerness to become a NATO member, he noted that it is currently not possible due to the military implications stipulated in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
He stressed that if Ukraine were to join NATO, the Alliance would be at war with Russia, including the Luxembourg army.
Asselborn mentioned that discussions have been initiated through the establishment of a council in which Ukraine can engage with NATO member states as equals. He stressed that concrete talks for peace would only be possible once Putin fully withdraws Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.
“Putin must finally understand that he has lost the war,” Asselborn said. At the same time, however, the Minister admitted that the Ukrainian counter-offensive is currently not as successful as many people had hoped.
Asselborn also emphasised the significance of China for the West, stating that it is essential for the EU and the US to prevent China from aligning closely with Russia. He appreciated China’s neutral position on the war and noted the absence of arms deliveries to Russia.
He expressed support for statements made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who had said that China is “not an enemy.”
As Minister of Migration, Asselborn expressed deep concern over the “loss of humanity” in Europe’s treatment of refugees. He criticised the lack of solidarity among countries and described the recent EU agreement on asylum reform as a “compromise,” that “at least” allowed the other countries to outvote Poland and Hungary.
Asselborn acknowledged the increased number of asylum seekers in the EU, including Luxembourg, where over 90% of the approximately 8,000 available sleeping spaces for refugees are occupied. He stated that Luxembourg, like its neighbouring countries, is facing its limits and will have to make preparations for accommodating between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals every year, even if there are no extraordinary crises such as the war in Ukraine.
Asselborn recognised criticisms of living conditions in refugee structures and assured that improvements have already been made by the National Reception Office and relevant NGOs.
At 74 years old, Asselborn stated that he is in good health, managing his knee problems effectively. He plans to embark on his traditional bicycle tour in the south of France at the end of July.
