After a less than perfect 2023 that saw the party ousted from governing and a drop in their MP numbers below the parliamentary group threshold, The Greens are now looking to start the new year with vim and vigour. “I think I will look back to 2023 with mixed feelings for the rest of my life”, co-party president Djuna Bernard told RTL reporters at the party’s New Year’s reception in Luxembourg City on Tuesday.
Officials explained that they spent the past weeks trying to understand the devastating election results that saw their numbers as lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies drop from nine to four. According to Bernard, they consulted with both party members and external stakeholders to evaluate the situation, and it appears that the party’s profile, communication, as well as personal fortunes, played a role.
Bernard acknowledged that green parties across Europe have been struggling to keep up momentum, which is why they now want to identify the source of this trend and be responsive to people’s sentiments, particularly in light of the upcoming European elections.
Co-party president Meris Sehovic addressed party members at the reception and demanded a positive vision for the future from the new CSV-DP government: “We expect an honest commitment to our nature, Earth, forests, and animals.” However, Sehovic believes that government messaging thus far is not giving rise to much optimism.
He cited PM Frieden’s statement describing the climate as one of multiple crises, which Sehovic believes to be a testament to the CSV leader’s failure to fully grasp the extent of the problem. “Because if we understand and tackle it, it is not only the planet that benefits, it is also an opportunity for our country, our economy, to set up good jobs here in Luxembourg. And to guarantee prosperity for this generation and the ones still to come”, elaborated Sehovic.
Another issue addressed at the New Year’s reception was the Luxembourg City begging ban. Bernard expressed her belief that vulnerable people should not be excluded from the cityscape, but rather be offered support: “Our society has to be able to cope with the fact that poverty exists.”
The Greens also used the opportunity of the reception to welcome new party members. No fewer than 200 have joined The Greens since October, which officials believe to be a sign that some have interpreted the poor election results as a wake-up call.
