They now risk losing their roles once the new ministers from the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) and the Democratic Party (DP) take over and opt for their own confidants or different political avenues.
Ministry of Labour
Over the past decade, the Labour Ministry has been exclusively led by LSAP members, with Nicolas Schmit, Dan Kersch, and Georges Engel at the helm. Kersch, during his tenure, appointed Tom Oswald, a former employee from his time as Mayor of Mondercange. Bob Greis and Pierre Hobscheit, both active LSAP members, serve as councillors in the Labour Ministry. Ideological differences, such as work time reduction support, may prompt changes with the incoming CSV and DP coalition.
Ministry of Sport
The LSAP-led Sport Ministry also saw party members appointed as councillors. For instance, Vanessa Tarantini, affiliated with the LSAP South section, was hired by Dan Kersch. Laurent Deville, who worked with Dan Kersch in the past, also held a position in this ministry. Thierry Wagner, another member of the Cabinet of the Ministry of Sports, is part of the LSAP in Differdange.
Ministry of Interior
The Ministry of the Interior also accommodated LSAP members over the years. Notably, Paul Schroeder, the director of CGDIS, has LSAP ties in Betzdorf. Taina Bofferding, in her role as Minister, appointed LSAP colleagues to the communication departments in the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Equality.
Cooperation and Economy
Vice-minister Franz Fayot relied on trusted associates within cooperation. Christophe Schiltz, the coordinator of the ministry, also represented the LSAP. Manu Tonnar, who participated in the municipal elections in the city this year, was named by Fayot as the director of the Luxdev agency.
Fayot’s predecessor, Etienne Schneider, promoted a number of advisers, including LSAP man Frank Reimen after his unfortunate episode as Cargolux CEO, first as Haut Commissaire à la Protection nationale and then in the economy ministry. His mandate expired within a few days. Shortly before the 2018 elections, Escher socialist Pierre Rauchs was promoted to that rank.
His former Secretary of State Francine Closener, who was not directly elected to the Chamber in the 2018 elections, was briefly saved from unemployment by being put in charge of Nation Branding, before she was moved to the Chamber. He also reintegrated Pierre Barthelmé and made him director of the competition authority, all while the latter was facing a disciplinary procedure for copying addresses from the national personal register for this election campaign.
Councillors in Government
Unlike some countries, Luxembourg doesn’t have political cabinets, but they can appoint councillors through civil service competitions. The government can’t appoint people to decision-making positions indefinitely.
Since the change of coalition in 2013, the blue-red-green coalition has repeatedly changed the legislation to be able to name more councillors. The contingent has almost doubled since the end of the Juncker era with 150 officials.
