While the gross income in Esch experienced a notable 15% increase compared to 2019, the number of people relying on social inclusion income (REVIS) also rose by over 12%.
Nearly one-fifth of Esch residents received cost-of-living allowances in 2022, double the national average.
Though unemployment in Esch slightly decreased in 2022 compared to 2019, the city still faces significant obstacles, particularly concerning housing prices.
Valérie Feltgen of the Liser Research Institute reported a staggering 50% increase in housing prices during this period.
Feltgen highlighted the challenges stemming from rising interest rates, dwindling supply, and escalating costs.
She noted the increasing number of Esch residents facing social precarity and emphasized that high inflation exacerbates their situation with no immediate relief in sight.
Christian Weis, member of the municipal executive board overseeing social affairs, outlined several measures the municipality can undertake to address these issues.
He mentioned the possibility of integrating social criteria into pricing structures associated with municipal services.
Weis also acknowledged the financial constraints faced by the upcoming generation of pensioners, emphasizing the need to adjust service prices for seniors accordingly.
Weis further stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration with organizations such as Stëmm vun der Strooss (“Voice of the Street”) and Médecins du Monde.
He argued that the rising social precarity cannot be attributed to the social policies of the local majority parties.
He pointed out that decisions regarding staffing of social welfare offices, REVIS, and cost-of-living allowances are made at the national level, adding that the relatively low rents in densely populated neighbourhoods also contribute to the complex social landscape in Esch.
