The Executive Board (Schäfferot) highlighted the importance of maintaining the city’s current “good” quality of life. Notably, the DP and CSV expressed their priority for climate protection and energy transition as key strategies to achieve this goal.
During the presentation to the newly elected municipal council, Mayor Lydie Polfer outlined several measures, including amendments to the general development plan (PAG) and building regulations aimed at facilitating the energy transition.
In addition, Polfer announced initiatives to enhance water supply, waste management, and the energy-efficient renovation of public buildings.
A significant objective outlined by the Executive Board is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Polfer also stressed the city’s commitment to preserving its green spaces, which currently occupy 68% of Luxembourg City’s land.
To achieve their objectives, the DP and CSV intend to focus on developing “compact and multifunctional” neighbourhoods. Polfer highlighted specific projects, such as Porte de Hollerich, Route d’Arlon, Place de l’Étoile, and Villeroy&Boch in the Rollingergrund, with an emphasis on promoting social diversity.
For instance, the Place de l’Étoile project aims to create additional studio spaces for young people. Furthermore, Polfer pledged to analyse procedures to expedite processes.
Regarding climate-conscious mobility, Polfer stressed the significance of public transport and active modes such as cycling and walking, which she aims to represent 50% of all journeys by 2035, up from the current 40%.
Although private transport will not be eliminated entirely, the Executive Board plans to expand and optimise bicycle lanes to encourage sustainable transportation.
Polfer also discussed measures to fight poverty, including providing more housing-first opportunities for the homeless and the creation of a new structure in Eich. In line with the government’s objectives, Luxembourg City aims to reduce the number of homeless people on its territory to 0 by 2030.
While the DP and CSV campaigned on security concerns during the municipal election, Mayor Polfer only addressed the issue briefly towards the end of her statement.
She reiterated the city’s advocacy for the establishment of a municipal police force on a national level. In addition, Polfer expressed her belief that the existing “expulsion light” approach was insufficient and called for an expulsion law that would empower officers to take action in case of breaches of order.
The Executive Board’s statement also stressed the need for further enhancements in childcare, commerce, and culture. Several projects mentioned during the election campaign were reiterated, such as the renovation of the Dräi Brécken bridge and the implementation of lifts to improve connectivity between different districts.
Concluding her statement, Lydie Polfer expressed the Executive Board’s enthusiasm for addressing the challenges of the next six years. She quoted German writer Erich Kästner, saying, Es gibt nichts Gutes außer man tut es (“There is nothing good unless you do it”).
Following the meeting on Monday, the opposition members in Luxembourg City will have an opportunity to analyse the Executive Board’s statement during the next meeting scheduled for Friday.
