In a conversation with our colleagues from RTL Infos, the national candidates from the Democratic Party (DP), Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP), Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), and the Green Party (déi gréng) offered insights just before their appearances on the programme “Who will be the next Prime Minister?” hosted by Caroline Maart, airing on Tuesday evening at 8pm on RTL Télé.
Incumbent Prime Minister Xavier Bettel expressed a calm demeanour, stating, “I’m zen.” He humorously acknowledged that his serenity might concern some, saying, “But I’ve done my job,” referring to the challenges posed by the Covid crisis, energy issues, and inflation. He stressed that he has done his utmost and, while not overly confident, remains composed and untroubled.
Sam Tanson, the lead candidate for the Green Party, conveyed a combative spirit, emphasising the critical nature of the upcoming election: “The question is: do we want to move forward? Do we want to stay in place? Or do we want to go backwards?” She highlighted the Green Party’s holistic vision encompassing social justice, ecology, and the economy, declaring: “If you want that to happen, you have to vote Green!”
CSV lead candidate Luc Frieden said that he is “very optimistic.” The lead candidate of the biggest opposition party stated that “This government still has a majority according to the polls. And so, a different path is only possible if the CSV has a positive result on the evening of 8 October that allows it to enter into negotiations with the others.”
Paulette Lenert, the lead candidate for LSAP, admitted to feeling a hint of nervousness as the campaign reached its final stretch. She likened it to taking an exam, noting a “pleasant kind of nervousness” accompanying the closing stages of the race.
Bettel identified three primary areas of focus: addressing property and housing challenges, taxation and competitiveness, and environmental concerns. He emphasised the need for swift action following the election and expressed a desire to engage with social partners during coalition discussions, particularly on housing-related matters.
Tanson underscored the importance of safeguarding the nation’s diversity and natural resources. She highlighted the need to continue efforts to expand affordable housing and ensure that all citizens, especially children, have access to essential resources.
Luc Frieden proposed immediate tax reductions for low and middle-income individuals. Additionally, he suggested measures such as abolishing ecological compensation within construction perimeters and allowing young tenants to deduct a portion of their rent from their taxes as “concrete steps to improve people’s lives.”
Paulette Lenert stressed her party’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis and striving to establish a fairer society. She also expressed concerns about the growing wealth disparity in the country and underscored the need for swift action to reverse this trend.
Full interviews (in French)
