The Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party Member of Parliament Liz Braz expressed frustration regarding the government's lack of communication concerning recent drone incidents, explaining that the Chamber of Deputies had not yet been informed.
Adding that insufficient information creates space for speculation, she lamented this lack of transparency, stating that informing the relevant parliamentary committees – those on defense and internal affairs – would be "extremely important".
Turning to tax reform, Braz reiterated the LSAP’s longstanding support for tax individualisation. However, she voiced strong dissatisfaction with the current plans set out by the coalition between the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) and the Democratic Party (DP).
She argued that while everyone would see some relief, "unfortunately, economically speaking, this is not the time to be able to say that everyone should just get more", adding that it's important to set political priorities.
Braz explained that the reform lacks targeted measures, particularly for those at greatest risk of poverty. As the current reform stands, a single-parent household with a yearly income of €60,000 will receive a €13 in annual relief, while a single person with an income of €200,000 will receive €2,500. Amounts she says underline this lack of political priorities.
Underlining that this reform benefits those with "extremely high" revenue, while families are left behind.
Braz also commented on the ongoing dispute in the healthcare sector between doctors’ association AMMD and the national health insurance fund CNS. She said the LSAP supports Health Minister Martine Deprez’s position and views the AMMD’s current demands as excessive. “I sense that they are losing support internally among their own people”, she said.
Braz argued that the “extremely aggressive attitude” and the “huge number of demands” from the AMMD should be reconsidered. She urged the doctors’ group to re-evaluate their communication strategy, warning, “As things stand, there is no progress, and ultimately it is the patient who suffers from the conflict between doctors and politicians.”
Financial discipline in state projects was another topic. Braz voiced concern about escalating costs for major public buildings, such as the velodrome in Mondercange. “We always see the phenomenon of over-expensive construction”, she said, pointing to similar situations with other sports facilities and public infrastructure.
She described a “philosophy in the state to be too generous with spending” and called for more detailed explanations about cost overruns. “We are still waiting for a breakdown of expenses”, she said, though she acknowledged that the velodrome is a positive project overall.
Addressing rumours that emerged over the summer that she might be considering changing parties, Braz said there was no truth to them. "I'm not interested in that", she stated, confirming that there had been no talks with the rumoured parties, DP and CSV.
She acknowledged there was tension within the party in June over asylum policy, which she attributed to inadequate internal preparation, but said that hurdle had since been overcome.
Having been called part of the party’s centrist wing, Braz said she is comfortable with that label and continues to share the LSAP’s values, describing herself as a committed social democrat.
Braz confirmed that she would step down from her role on the Esch-sur-Alzette council as she plans to move to Luxembourg City next year. Her last Esch council meeting is scheduled for December.
Asked whether she might stand in the centre constituency in the next general election, Braz replied that the decision was still a long way off. She said she would have to see how "an Esch alien" would be received in the capital, and that if she still has a passion for politics at that time, she would make herself available to her party.
However, she emphasised that it would not be her decision alone.
