CSV leader Martine Hansen told the Chamber the speech failed to outline a concrete strategy or any ideas for a new start. The largest opposition party suggested a general mask requirement outdoors in terms of coping with the coronavirus crisis. The CSV also requested clear answers to questions concerning the track and trace system and its functioning.
Hansen also queried if there were any updates regarding a contact tracing app.
The CSV believes a multi-annual report is required to tackle government finances, breaking down the cost of the planned policies and displaying a clear plan to deal with public debt. Hansen concluded her criticism with the statement that a sustainable future would not occur automatically, requiring strong leadership in politics. Audio in Luxembourgish.
Déi Gréng leader Josée Lorsché said in her speech that Luxembourg’s healthcare system had structural weaknesses which were in need of attention. She also raised the idea of a pandemic law, but said this was necessary at EU level. Common stockpiles were required as part of planning for potential catastrophes, as evidenced by the crisis, said Lorsché.
In contrast, LSAP president Georges Engel said the government had controlled the crisis as best as it could, particularly when compared to other countries. Engel went on to say the government was focusing on fiscal justice and maintaining investments, and asked the opposition to face reality. The Luxembourg government had avoided implementing austerity policies - the correct decision, according to Engel, who said the priorities laid out in the State of the Nation speech were accepted by the socialist party. VAT increases, increases in payroll taxes or reductions in social benefits would not be sanctioned by the LSAP.
Audio in Luxembourgish.
DP leader Gilles Baum told the Chamber it was not the optimal time to be discussing major tax reform. In terms of climate change, the government was aware of the need to pursue concrete climate policies, while the foundations have already been laid. On the subject of housing, Baum said more involvement was required on the part of municipalities. Overall the DP expressed optimism for the future, and according to Baum, Luxembourg was well equipped to withstand the health crisis.
Audio in Luxembourgish.
Baum went on to defend the government’s expenditures during and before the pandemic and asked the CSV to detail how exactly they would have applied savings over recent years in order to build up the financial cushion they mentioned.
The DP politician said the government had sanitised public finances and had been on track to end 2020 with a huge increase, prior to the pandemic. He also said the DP disagreed with proposed wealth and inheritance tax amendments.
Audio in Luxembourgish.
For the ADR, the current government has a number of issues to work on, in particular housing. ADR MP Fernand Kartheiser said it was imperative to give the legal prorogation and the rental-purchase model proposed by the CSV a chance.
A diversification of industrial policy was also urgently needed, but Kartheiser criticised a lack of coherence on this level. He also said the planned increase in excise duties would not support businesses in Luxembourg.
Audio in Luxembourgish.
