Recent polls suggest that the Pirate Party may secure five seats in the upcoming elections. However, before they reach that stage, they have outlined their election programme, and to unveil it, the party hosted an event on a ship in Remich on Thursday evening.
Lead candidate Sven Clement stressed the party’s commitment to not only identifying problems but also offering viable solutions. One of their top priorities is tax reform. Clement stated, “the Pirate Party is firmly advocating for a fair tax reform, including the abolition of tax brackets to ensure equal treatment for all, regardless of relationship status or age category.”
Specifically, the Pirate Party proposes the implementation of a negative income tax system, where individuals with lower incomes would receive state support, gradually shifting to tax payments as incomes rise. The party claims that such a system would provide relief to 90% of households and refers to calculations carried out by the tax administration as part of a 2022 tax debate in the Chamber of Deputies. The funding for this reform would be generated through taxes on annual incomes exceeding €200,000.
Regarding childcare, the party calls for the issuing of “reception service vouchers,” granting individuals the autonomy to decide between placing their children in structured care or looking after them personally.
On the topic of internal security, the Pirate Party advocates for a robust presence of the national police force on the streets while rejecting the notion of a municipal police force.
In an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio, Sven Clement also floated the idea of recruiting Luxembourg nationals living abroad, “such as in Brazil or the US,” into the Grand Duchy’s police force.
The party stresses the need for an open and digital economy, arguing that the process of starting one’s own business should be simplified. In addition, they emphasise the importance of sustainable, environmentally friendly economic growth.
In the housing sector, the Pirate Party underscores the need for a housing initiative that involves state construction and the purchase of flats at market rates. Their goal is to mobilise vacant flats, prioritising public interest over developer profits. The concept of the tenant-buyer remains a central tenet for the Pirate Party, noting that individuals should be guided toward homeownership.
Regarding senior care, the party advocates for guaranteed universal access to nursing and retirement homes.
Finally, the Pirate party wants to give citizens more opportunities to participate in the political process.
The Pirate Party’s election programme was adopted unanimously on Thursday.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
