Nadine Braconnier, officially sworn in as Käerjeng's new mayor following the departure of her husband and predecessor Christian Social People's Party (CSV) veteran politician Michel Wolter, has responded to public criticism and allegations of nepotism surrounding her appointment. Some residents and commentators accused Braconnier of running a family affair, suggesting the mayoral post is being kept within the same household.
Braconnier acknowledged this perception but argued that her election was based on democratic principles and personal merit. "I am aware of the criticism about nepotism and political calculation, but I see no justification for it", she said. "In the end, it is my solid election results that allow me to sit here today as mayor."
Braconnier clarified that she was the fourth candidate elected on the CSV's list and that her predecessors, Frank Pirrotte, who intends to step down after 40 years in local politics, and Richard Sturm, who declined the mandate for personal reasons, made their own choices unrelated to her.
She emphasised that the transition followed democratic norms and processes, underlining that nothing irregular occurred during the handover from her husband.
Braconnier also shared her experience with the intense and, at times, hostile reactions she has encountered, particularly on social media. "It was quite harsh. I would be lying if I said it did not affect me", she admitted, adding that anyone would be touched by reading such comments about themselves. She acknowledged that a mayoral succession between spouses is rare in Luxembourg, mentioning only one comparable case, when Lydie Polfer succeeded her father as the mayor of Luxembourg City.
She called for criticism to remain objective and measured, appealing for a fair opportunity to prove herself: "I would simply like a fair chance, just as any other person would get, to prove myself and do my work".
Addressing allegations that she owes her post to her husband’s influence, Braconnier pointed to her own longstanding ties to Käerjeng. She has worked in the commune’s administration and played handball locally for 20 years, asserting, "People know me as a person, not just as Michel Wolter’s wife."
She made it clear that she ran under her own name and not as Nadine Wolter or Nadine Braconnier–Wolter, which she said was important to her sense of independence. Braconnier also highlighted her 16 years of experience as a municipal secretary, where she was responsible for budgeting, organising council meetings, and training interns.
Looking to the future, Braconnier identified easing traffic as one of Käerjeng's most pressing issues and a top priority for her mandate. She cited both the need for bypass projects and efforts to calm traffic within villages. "A whole concept has been developed to see how we can remove or at least slow down traffic in our villages", she explained. Measures include installing speed bumps, introducing reduced speed zones, and creating so-called shared spaces that prioritise residents' quality of life and safety.
Braconnier is also advancing major projects such as the construction of a new town hall, which will be the first public building in the commune without a heating system. "That is something I have really always wanted to do", she said, referring also to her commitment to establishing a forest cemetery. The project holds personal meaning for her and has received coalition backing.
When it comes to housing, Braconnier underlined the southern commune's efforts to include affordable housing in all new development plans. Käerjeng also purchases houses to accommodate refugees and people otherwise unable to afford local rents.
Braconnier reflected on the challenges faced by women in local politics, noting that female representation in communal government remains the exception rather than the rule. She observed that many women are reticent to enter politics due to concerns about balancing family, work, and public responsibilities. "Women bring a different perspective to politics, more dialogue-oriented, more willing to compromise", she said. Braconnier hopes her example will motivate more young women to get involved.
On her own political ambitions, Braconnier said her focus remains firmly on Käerjeng for now. "At the moment, that is absolutely not my priority [to head into national elections in 2028] because I have enough other things to do", she said, while not ruling out a future move to national politics: "It would not be a categorical no".
For the time being, Nadine Braconnier says she is committed to serving Käerjeng and addressing the community’s needs as her top priority.
