The municipal executive board in Esch-sur-Alzette is set for a reshuffle, with each of the three coalition parties receiving one new executive board member.
Mayor Christian Weis told RTL that three of the five current executive board members will step down: André Zwally of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), Pim Knaff of the Democratic Party (DP), and Meris Šehović of the Green Party (Déi Gréng).
Weis stressed that the coalition will continue its work as usual, adding that “as mayor, this doesn’t change much for me”. He assured that cooperation among the three partners remains strong and that the coalition agreement continues to serve as the central guideline.
A few months ago, rumours emerged that former Esch Mayor Georges Mischo was seeking a return to the local council after resigning as minister of labour and sports. With a CSV seat set to become vacant, the question has resurfaced.
Upon enquiry, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed RTL that Mischo cannot return to the municipal council. Because he resigned from the council to become a government minister, a return is not possible. The ministry noted that Mischo submitted his resignation in writing and that this decision is definitive. An administrative court ruling of 18 January 2008 states in this regard that “both the councillor who stands down from their mandate and the one who resigns relinquish their electoral mandate for the future, and consequently their seat on the municipal council”.
When asked for comment, Mischo himself clarified that he had not enquired whether a return to local politics would be possible.
Meris Šehović will move from the municipal executive board to the municipal council, while Mandy Ragni will take over his seat on the executive board. The change is scheduled for September.
Upon enquiry, the Green Party MP stressed that this was a deliberate choice on his part. He explained that he wishes to continue his engagement for Esch and support the coalition’s project from within the municipal council. At the same time, he sees the move as an opportunity to entrust a young woman with greater responsibility.
Zwally told RTL unequivocally that he intends to retire from local politics altogether.
Further details on the timing of the change are expected to be announced soon. Based solely on the number of votes received in the last election, Pascal Bermes would be the CSV councillor most likely to take up the vacant seat on the municipal executive board.
Pim Knaff of the DP will also step down. He had previously indicated that he did not plan to serve out his full term.
Knaff declined to comment further at this stage. Daliah Scholl could be a potential candidate to take over his seat on the executive board.
