On Wednesday morning, Minister of Sport and Agriculture Martine Hansen discussed her two portfolios with our colleagues from RTL Radio.
Hansen stressed the importance of engaging with people on the ground in order to shape policy. Since 11 December 2025, she has served as Minister of Sport in addition to her existing portfolios of agriculture and consumer protection.
Hansen stated that she is doing her best to familiarise herself with her expanded responsibilities as quickly as possible, noting that she has already held meetings with the Luxembourg Olympic and Sporting Committee (COSL) and other federations. She highlighted that the sports portfolio is diverse, encompassing everything from grassroots sport to competitive athletics. To improve coordination, Hansen decided to reappoint a sports commissioner. Yves Picard, a physical education teacher and president of the Association of PE Teachers, will assume the role in mid-April. Hansen explained that the commissioner’s mission is to promote exercise among the population, emphasising the importance of physical activity for health.
Sport stands for values, and Hansen stressed that it must be ensured those values are upheld. In this regard, she welcomed the swift action taken by the Luxembourg Football Federation (FLF) after allegations surfaced against Dan Santos, the coach of the women’s national team. The minister declined to comment on the specifics of the case, noting that she was not familiar with the details and that, in any case, the federations have autonomy in such matters. She did state, however, that the safety of the players must be prioritised.
On a related matter, the Agency for Integrity in Sport is set to launch in April. It will serve as a central point of contact for safeguarding and will offer both legal and psychological assistance. Hansen noted that had the agency already existed, the Red Lionesses could have reached out to it. In the future, any athlete, coach, or member of a sports club will be able to contact the agency if a problem arises. Additionally, Hansen noted that the national ethics commission, which operates independently, can either be asked for an opinion or act on its own initiative to issue a recommendation. According to Hansen, the commission could have intervened in the Gerson Rodrigues case last year, though she stressed that its mission is not limited to football but encompasses all sports.
Regarding the planned national sports museum, which is included in the coalition agreement, Hansen acknowledged that it remains unclear whether it will actually be built. She explained that the Chamber of Deputies has requested further details and that the government has also commissioned a legal assessment, which is still pending. Only after these steps are completed will the government decide whether or not to proceed with the museum, the minister said. She admitted that the project is not a personal priority but added that the decision rests with the government as a whole.
Meanwhile, Hansen announced that the law on subsidies for sports clubs is to be amended, with the corresponding draft bill expected to be tabled in spring.
Hansen also serves as Minister of Agriculture. Farmers are currently facing high fertiliser prices due to the US-Israeli offensive against Iran. Hansen said she is monitoring the situation, explaining that mineral fertilisers account for 3% of costs for a typical farm and as much as 6–7% for crop-based operations. On a positive note, she noted that 70% of the fertiliser currently needed has already been purchased.
On Tuesday, officials from the Farmers’ Alliance expressed satisfaction with Minister Hansen during their general assembly. Farmers, however, have been less enthusiastic about the environment ministry, which still carries a reputation for being overly obstructive. Hansen stressed that both ministries frequently collaborate and hold discussions, though she acknowledged that confrontations sometimes arise due to differing goals. She noted that agriculture requires land and that this point needs to be emphasised more strongly.
The next agriculture roundtable is scheduled for June.
