Describing the decision as challenging, Liz Braz emphasised the pivotal nature of the forthcoming European elections, highlighting the growing prevalence of right-wing populist sentiments across the EU. As a representative of the younger generation, Braz expressed her intention to support LSAP’s lead candidate and Vice-President of the European Parliament, Marc Angel, by participating in the elections.
Acknowledging her initial reluctance to run for the European elections, Braz underscored the importance of party loyalty, noting, “Sometimes, you have to prioritise the interests of your party.” Reflecting on the trust placed in her by the party during the 2023 legislative elections, Braz affirmed her commitment to reciprocating that trust. She acknowledged that other candidates may have been more suitable for the role, but those candidates would not have been willing to assume the responsibility. She also intentionally opted not to pursue a lead candidate position. She left the question of whether she would accept an EU mandate if elected unanswered and merely remarked, “Let’s first wait and see what the voters decide.”
With LSAP’s target set at securing two seats in the European Parliament, Braz remained optimistic about the party’s prospects, emphasising the imperative of advancing the European project. She highlighted the recent nomination of her party colleague Nicolas Schmit, a former minister and current EU Commissioner, as the European Social Democrats’ lead candidate. Braz touted Schmit’s extensive network, including connections with trade unions and employers, as assets that could bolster his chances of success. If it came to down to it, Prime Minister Luc Frieden would have to “look deep inside himself” not to consider Schmit, said the LSAP MP.
Recent actions and statements by politicians from the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) and the Democratic Party (DP) have sparked controversy and garnered criticism. MP Liz Braz weighed in on the matter, expressing concern over a perceived shift in political discourse.
Braz highlighted the troubling trend of politicians adopting rhetoric reminiscent of far-right parties like Alternative for Germany (AfD) or the French Rassemblement National under the leadership of Marine Le Pen. She criticised the assertion that people nowadays are hesitant to express their opinions, labelling it as a “punchline” commonly associated with populist agendas. Braz stressed the importance of upholding political correctness and lamented its erosion in recent months, attributing it to a broader trend of populism overshadowing substantive debate.
Pointing to what she perceives as a “radicalisation of conservatism,” Braz voiced disappointment over the direction of political dialogue in Luxembourg. She expressed regret over Prime Minister Luc Frieden’s perceived failure to address the situation unequivocally. Braz also raised concerns about the CSV’s perceived rightward shift and questioned the stance of the DP, suggesting it has become “a little CSV next to the big one.”
