Following the evaluation of Luxembourg’s politicians’ and the government’s popularity on Tuesday, the second part of the Politmonitor survey focuses on the issues that worry Luxembourgers the most. Housing remains the top problem at 70%, ahead of the international geopolitical situation (64%) and increased traffic (53%). The rise of right-wing extremism follows it with 50%, as does the pension system (50%), climate change (49%), and the economic situation (29%).
Those most worried about the housing market are, unsurprisingly, the youngest responders aged 18–24 with 81%. They are followed by 24–35 year olds (75%) and 55–64 year olds (74%) – with the latter group often consisting of parents or grandparents. The least worried in this regard are 35–44 year olds (63%) and those aged 65 or above (65%). Among those surveyed, LSAP voters are the most concerned with 80%, ahead of The Greens voters (71%) and DP voters (66%).
While respondents are slightly less concerned about the international situation now than they were only a few months ago (-2%), increasing traffic has returned to the forefront (+7%). The issue does not trouble 18–34 year olds much, but it seems to have become a central concern for those over 55. Geographically speaking, respondents based in southern Luxembourg are the most worried (57%). ADR voters (61%) and The Greens voters (55%) also rank it among their main concerns.
The fourth biggest concern is the rise in right-wing extremism, which is most prevalent among older people and voters of The Greens (71%), LSAP (60%), and DP (64%). Interestingly, only 13% of ADR voters are worried. In terms of age, around 60% of those aged 65 and above are concerned, compared with just 36% of 35–44 year olds who seem relatively unfazed in contrast. Concern is higher in the private sector (51%) than in the public sector (42%).
In the survey, ILRES also asked participants to name the three topics that politicians should urgently address, though priorities shift somewhat here. Current affairs and climate change tie for second place (8%), while housing remains clearly in the lead (27%).
Alongside the main Politmonitor survey, an additional 400 online interviews were conducted to get an insight into the issues that move foreign nationals living in the Grand Duchy. Interestingly, housing does not rank first in the list of concerns, but only second (53%), behind the international geopolitical situation (54%). In turn, national security comes third (43%), as opposed to it being ranked 12th among Luxembourgish nationals.
However, when foreign residents are asked which issues should be addressed urgently by politicians, housing moves back into first place with 25%, showing just how central a problem it is, regardless of respondents’ origins. National security (14%) and climate change (9%) follow housing in terms of issues to be tackled with priority.
The survey also explored a range of questions linked to current affairs, including the Grand Ducal throne accession celebrations in October. A clear majority (63%) of respondents felt the festivities were ‘worth it’, and only 34% felt the opposite.
That said, the proportions change depending on political leanings: if you were to ask CSV voters, for instance, the gap between those who approved of the celebrations (75%) and those who did not (24%, with 1% “don’t know”) is significant. ADR voters, on the other hand, sway the opposite way: among them, 52% felt that Luxembourg could have done without the festivities, as opposed to 48% that were in favour of them.
The celebrations were particularly popular among the youngest respondents (74% versus 20%), though the most divided group was that of 25–34 year olds (56% versus 41%). All other age groups responded positively overall.
The much-debated pension reform seems to only have convinced voters of the governing parties: it is not popular among LSAP, The Greens, or ADR voters. 72% of them say the reform isn’t the right measure to secure the pension system over the long term. Looking at responses by age group, we also see that those aged 65 and above responded favourably, while all other age groups are predominantly opposed.
By contrast, the idea of a single tax class is popular, with 67% percent of respondents being rather in favour of moving to a single class. This support spans all parties, although it is somewhat weaker among ADR voters (60%). Among The Greens voters, the measure is most desired (76%). It is worth noting that this proposal only has the support of 51% of 18–24 year olds.
Some 54% of respondents are concerned the ALPHA reform – which would see French soon being offered as a main language and/or language of literacy in primary education – would put Luxembourg’s education system at risk.
While the government welcomed the reform that was recently adopted by the Chamber of Deputies, the ILRES survey shows major opinion divides on this issue. ADR voters in particular stand out, with 81% of them considering the reform as a danger to the school system. The opposite trend can be seen among The Greens voters, with 65% considering the reform as not dangerous.
ILRES added an “education level” dimension to this question, where a clear pattern emerges: the lower the respondents’ level of education, the more likely they were to consider the reform dangerous. The trend reverses among those who have pursued higher education: 50% do not see the reform as a threat. It should be noted that in this group, 3% did not answer, which brings the share of “yes” responses to 47%.
Exposed to multiple new risks, the Grand Duchy and its neighbours are working on a national resilience strategy that seeks to defend democracy, the rule of law, and the government. However, only 27% of respondents are confident in Luxembourg’s ability to defend itself from threats such as cyberattacks or drone attacks. The sceptics form a large majority (59%), especially among voters of parties outside the governing coalition.
For the Politmonitor survey, conducted on behalf of RTL and the Luxemburger Wort by Ilres, 1,042 people were asked their opinions on the government. The interviews were conducted over the phone and online via MyPanel between 17 and 26 November.
Full details on the method and the questionnaire used can be found on Alia.lu. Minimal differences may occur due to rounding up or down.
