While post-election tensions persist, the CSV-DP-Green coalition has forged ahead. Georges Mischo (CSV), comfortably re-elected as mayor, presented the comprehensive coalition agreement, signed by all three parties on Monday evening, following their respective endorsements.
According to Mischo, “this coalition agreement is the most comprehensive that the City of Esch has had so far.” Pim Knaff, the DP’s new first alderman who took over from Martin Kox following the loss of a seat with the Green Party, added that negotiations were relatively smooth as there were no major points of contention among the three parties.
The 30-page document serves as a detailed roadmap for the next six years, reflecting the coalition’s “increased experience and understanding of municipal workings” compared to the previous term, as noted by Christian Weis (CSV). Weis, alongside André Swally (CSV) and Meris Sehovic, the national president of the Green Party, will form the municipal executive board, with Mandy Ragni assuming Sehovic’s position midway through the term.
While only fragments of the coalition agreement have been disclosed, its title sets the overarching theme: “Living sustainably, working in solidarity for a pleasant city to live in.” Addressing the pressing challenges of climate change will be a key focus, with the CSV assuming responsibility for ecological resilience, led by Mischo, and Christian Weis overseeing “urban resilience” in a newly created role.
The DP has taken charge of animal protection, while the CSV has gained responsibility for housing and allocated mobility to the Green Party. The Green Party will also manage green spaces, energy, urban development, and, notably, education for the first time.
In a first for Esch, the coalition agreement establishes a Religious Affairs Commission “to engage in discussions with religious authorities, inspired by the Council of Religions in Cologne,” as explained by Christian Weis, who will oversee the commission.
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