The Green Party (Déi Gréng) used a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to call on the government to accelerate the energy transition, framing the issue as a matter of national security in light of the continued conflict in Iran.
“Energy policy is also security policy, which is why we need an energy transition NOW,” the party stressed, urging the government to demonstrate its capacity for long-term planning.
The opposition party highlighted the volatility of energy prices, arguing that the government must not remain passive but should instead take proactive measures. MP Sam Tanson emphasised that the state needs the necessary means to act. According to her, the approach should involve two steps: first, mitigating the immediate crisis, and second, developing a long-term strategy to prevent such situations from arising in the future.
For the Green Party, a sustainable long-term energy policy is inseparable from responsible fiscal policy, with social justice forming a key component. MP Joëlle Welfring stressed that work on relevant legislation must begin immediately.
She cited the example of an energy tax credit for low-to middle-income households, which should be prepared so it can be deployed when needed. Welfring noted that tax credits have the advantage of being paid out directly with salaries, making them an “uncomplicated and targeted” support tool. She pointed out that lower-income households spend a proportionally larger share of their budget on energy.
The party is also calling for targeted support for businesses to help them cope with rising costs. François Benoy stressed that increasing energy prices must not be used as a pretext to weaken climate targets. On the contrary, he argued that these targets are precisely what is needed to achieve greater independence. To this end, Benoy called for a massive investment programme at both the national and European levels, focused on renewable energies and the electrification of the economy and industrial sector.
The Green Party concluded by stating that it is now up to the government to bring the relevant stakeholders together as quickly as possible.
