The political atmosphere in Redange seems to have become more tense since last year’s contentious local elections. The question is whether these disagreements will now affect the traditional Kropemannsfest.
Certainly, when considering that a significant number, namely seven out of the eleven committee members, including President Tom Faber, are stepping down, doubts may arise regarding the success of this year’s festival. This announcement was made during this week’s general assembly of the Kropemannsfest’s organisational meeting. Tom Faber attributes the committee’s decision to the municipality, citing a perceived lack of support from the municipal authorities towards the non-profit organisation, particularly in financial matters. Last year, in particular, posed significant challenges.
“Last year, we received our last grant on the 16th of June, merely 3 months and one week before the festival. This tight timeline made the organisation almost impossible, it felt like a real marathon. Besides, it was our 10th anniversary. We spared no efforts to keep going and celebrate, but we had to constantly chase up people and funding. This had never happened in previous years”, says Faber, who is also member of the municipal council in Redange-sur-Attert.
However, Mayor Henri Gerekens dismisses the accusations. He clarifies that the subsidy was delayed due to non-conformity of the non-profit organisation’s statutes with the law, which necessitated time for resolution. Furthermore, he notes that at that point, the organisation still had 28,000 Euro in its account, and immediate financial support was not deemed necessary.
To effectively organise the festival, a total budget of 55,000 Euros was deemed necessary, comprising 45,000 for the organisation and an additional 10,000 specifically earmarked for installations, directly funded by the municipality. The contribution of municipal workers was expected to encompass approximately 2,600 work hours, including 1,000 overtime hours. Besides, the municipality highlights its dedication to the festival.
Following the announced resignations, the committee now consists of four remaining members, including Danielle Simon-Arendt, who serves as alderwoman in Redange. Despite the challenges highlighted above, she remains optimistic that the festival will proceed as planned this year.
“Of course Kropemannsfest will happen this year. The entire village supports it, and I categorically reject the accusations from the organisation’s current president. We have not received any written resignations as of yet, and even if we did, there is nothing preventing the festival from taking place, even with a change in the presidency.”
Whether the organisation will look for additional members, remains to be decided. However, even in a worst-case scenario, the festival can still be organised by the four remaining members.
Here you can see what happened at last year’s festival:
