On Saturday, our colleagues from RTL Radio hosted a roundtable discussion featuring MPs Stéphanie Weydert of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), Gilles Baum of the Democratic Party (DP), Francine Closener of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP), and Fred Keup of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR). The conversation focused on the state of the nation following a turbulent political week.
That week saw the resignation of Minister of Labour and Sport Georges Mischo. While some framed the move as stabilising the coalition government of Prime Minister Luc Frieden, its impact remains debated. During the same period, Frieden notably fell outside the top ten in a Politmonitor popularity poll – a first for a sitting Prime Minister. Despite this, Frieden maintains that the CSV-DP coalition has delivered results and will continue to ensure “Luxembourg will be strengthened for the future.”
RTL Radio’s guests were asked to assess the government’s performance after two years in power. CSV MP Stéphanie Weydert described the ministerial change as a necessary reshuffle. In contrast, LSAP Co-Party President Francine Closener argued that the recent Sports Museum controversy was merely the “cherry on the cake,” following earlier missteps by Mischo. She warned against portraying “culprits as victims.”
ADR Parliamentary Group President Fred Keup characterised the Prime Minister’s handling of the affair as a superficial display, claiming “no one is buying” his narrative. DP Parliamentary Group President Gilles Baum urged perspective, noting that Mischo is “a human as well as a politician.” Weydert later confirmed that Mischo will return as an MP to the Chamber of Deputies in January.
Regarding the ongoing Sports Museum case, Closener emphasised that the matter is not closed. She noted that the Parliamentary Oversight Committee for Public Finances has prepared questions for the government and stated that several issues remain unresolved. “It is imperative to determine how the situation came to be,” she added, “in order to avoid similar situations in the future.”
All participants acknowledged the failure of social dialogue over the past two years. Closener attributed the breakdown directly to former minister Georges Mischo, citing what she called “the worst relationship with trade unions that we have ever seen.” Keup expressed scepticism that the new Minister of Labour, Marc Spautz, would bring significant change.
Keup stood alone in that doubt, however, as the other MPs were notably more optimistic. Baum argued that Spautz possesses both strong union relations and the necessary skill to restart negotiations. The DP parliamentary leader is confident Spautz can bring unions back to the table of the Permanent Committee on Labour and Employment (CPTE), which they have boycotted since September.
Closener contended that the CSV, once a symbol of stability, is now contributing to chaos in uncertain times. She criticised the party for being too mired in internal problems to address pressing national issues.
Keup questioned who holds real authority within the CSV, pondering whether Prime Minister Frieden commands from the top or if internal disputes prevail. He further speculated whether these dynamics might worsen with Marc Spautz joining the government. Keup argued that the CSV has lost its traditional strength: a disciplined, organised ability to implement its promises.
Weydert defended her party, emphasising that both the CSV and its parliamentary group are “lively”. She acknowledged robust internal debates but asserted that members ultimately unite behind the party’s official positions.
The National Poverty Plan, presented on Monday by Minister for Family Affairs Max Hahn (DP), was broadly welcomed by the roundtable participants. However, they raised specific caveats and criticisms.
Closener expressed regret that the announced measures are scheduled for implementation within a year, arguing this timeline is insufficient. She also stated her party would have preferred a direct rise in the minimum wage and a stronger focus on housing policy.
Keup contended that the state’s need to boost or create social benefits indicates a systemic failure, noting that “something is not working as it should.” He identified housing as the fundamental cause of many of Luxembourg’s social challenges.
In response, Baum defended the government’s commitment, citing significant financial investments in off-plan housing projects, the Housing Fund, and the National Society of Affordable Housing (SNHBM). He cautioned, however, that expectations must remain realistic, acknowledging that a crisis decades in the making cannot be resolved within just two years. Baum further highlighted the current crisis in the construction sector, which has created a critical shortage of workers to build new homes.
