According to Michael Schenk, the 3rd highest-ranking candidate on the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) list and president of the local LSAP section, discontent among the citizens of Wiltz runs high.
“It’s not my intention to single out individuals, but we must acknowledge that Wiltz is currently governed by three individuals who did not secure the highest number of votes and possess limited experience. It appears that they are making a mockery of the situation, and it should come as no surprise if people lose interest in voting when their choices are not respected,” Schenk stated.
Above all, the LSAP politician expressed his outrage upon learning that influential figures from national politics, namely the leadership of the CSV, allegedly exerted pressure from the capital.
“I don’t want to accuse Ms Weigel of anything, but I firmly believe that national politics should not interfere with local autonomy, which seems to be the case here. Several members of the CSV have confirmed this to me. A young woman is being sacrificed so that national interests can be safeguarded. I can assure you that if my party were to meddle in my municipality’s politics and dictate my actions, I would promptly relinquish my party affiliation,” Schenk stressed.
The discontent is not exclusive to the LSAP. Patrick Comes, the 4th top-performing candidate and current alderman from the CSV, has already resigned from the party. Conversely, Albert Waaijenberg, the 2nd highest-ranked elected candidate and also an alderman, chose not to follow suit in order to avoid leaving his CSV colleagues in a precarious position.
“All I have ever wanted is to uphold the voters’ choice, and that is not the case at present. The outgoing mayor received nearly 300 more votes than I did, and he garnered the highest result in the municipality of Wiltz. I believe he should continue his work, particularly considering the successful collaboration between the CSV and the LSAP,” Schenk explained.
The CSV is scheduled to vote on the coalition programme on 27 June. Waaijenberg has already declared his intention to vote against it. However, this agreement is expected to secure a majority, enabling the CSV-DP coalition to assume control of the city’s governance.
