The housing crisis collective has expressed disappointment following a meeting with Minister of Housing Claude Meisch on Tuesday.
While the group welcomed the invitation to talks, it criticised the meeting as unproductive, stating in a press release that Minister Meisch mainly reiterated previously announced measures and investments without addressing the group’s main concerns.
The minister was unable to provide detailed answers to specific questions regarding a possible reform of the VEFA (sale before completion) law, the creation of a register for vacant homes, or the introduction of a tax on empty properties.
Meisch reportedly cited his lack of responsibility for these portfolios as the reason for not addressing them.
The group argues that this lack of clarity shows the urgent need for an inter-ministerial commission led by the Prime Minister, bringing together the relevant ministers to develop a joint housing strategy with concrete deadlines.
The collective also criticised the government for what it sees as a reliance on structural measures that either never move beyond the announcement stage or drag on for years.
In the context of the current housing crisis, the group says, this approach is unacceptable. They insist that only sustained public mobilisation can put enough pressure on politicians to recognise the urgency of the situation.
In response, the housing crisis collective is calling for a demonstration at 6pm on Friday at Hamilius in Luxembourg City. The group is also encouraging citizens to sign petition number 4246 on the Chamber of Deputies website.
Minister of Housing Claude Meisch will appear live on RTL Radio at 8am on Friday morning for an interview.
