The recent heatwave is a consequence of climate change, Prime Minister Luc Frieden said during the first RTL summer interview, held in the park of Senningen Castle. The questions came not only from the RTL editorial team but primarily from viewers.
Over the course of the interview, Frieden addressed a range of topics, including wage indexation, housing, migration, and climate policy.
Referring to last week's high temperatures, the Prime Minister said they illustrated the potential effects of climate change, which he described as "a serious challenge". He noted that the government is currently implementing a strategy to accelerate and expand the rollout of renewable energies in Luxembourg – a move he believes will help reduce the frequency of heatwaves in the long term.
Addressing the root causes, he said, is essential.
When reminded of a past remark in which he stated that climate policy "shouldn't get on people's nerves", Frieden responded that he has always viewed climate change as "a very serious danger to humanity".
He explained that the government's approach is based on encouragement and motivation, aiming to inspire behavioural changes and greater use of renewable energies. This, he argued, would reduce Luxembourg's dependence on fossil fuels while also limiting harmful emissions.
"And that is having an effect", the Prime Minister insisted. As evidence, Frieden pointed out that over the past two years, more photovoltaic systems have been installed than ever before, and sales of heat pumps have risen significantly.
On the subject of wage indexation, one viewer suggested a simplified mechanism: giving every resident €100 each time a 2.5% indexation tranche is triggered.
Frieden, however, preferred to distance himself from that proposal: "Wage indexation is an essential element of social peace in Luxembourg, and if we want to maintain that social peace and social cohesion, then I think it is important that we don't cause unnecessary upheaval in the country."
Turning to pension reform, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the measures introduced by the government in 2025 had provoked "a great deal of agitation". Nevertheless, he maintained that the reforms were necessary to prepare the country for the future.
On housing, Frieden recognised that the issue remains a significant source of concern for many residents – a crisis, he noted, that has persisted for decades. It was therefore unsurprising when a young man asked whether Frieden himself, if he were now 30 years old, working in Luxembourg and without property, would believe he could buy a home in the country.
Frieden said he hears that question frequently – whether at youth events or in conversations with his children's friends. He observed that many young people today rent their homes, which he said was less common when he was around 30, when buying a flat was more standard.
"I am an optimist and therefore I think that this generation too will be able to buy a home, but later than was perhaps the case in the past", the Prime Minister said, "and therefore we have to ensure once again that more is built."
Frieden was also asked about his approach to illegal immigration. The Prime Minister responded that it must be countered, and that this requires, above all, well-protected external borders.
He stressed that since his government took office, migration numbers in Luxembourg have decreased. He insisted that individuals who have "no right to stay here" must leave, adding that his government has therefore stepped up deportations.
Frieden noted that voluntary returns have become more frequent than in the past – a development he described as preferable to forced deportations. To facilitate this process, the government has established various types of return centres, he said.
Frieden expressed confidence that this approach is the right one and that it helps preserve social cohesion.
Regarding the European Return Hubs, the Prime Minister said it would be important to first observe how they function in different locations. He believes that these hubs "send a message" to irregular migrants that they would be required to leave if their asylum applications are not granted.
