In 2017, the LSAP experienced a significant blow in Esch as they lost their longstanding dominance after 37 years. The party suffered a decline of 10.6%, resulting in the loss of 3 seats and the majority.
Meanwhile, the CSV, led by top candidate Georges Mischo, celebrated a historic victory, with an increase of 11.6% compared to 2011, securing an additional 6 seats. Georges Mischo went on to become mayor in a coalition with the Green Party (déi Gréng) and the Democratic Party (DP), and he aims to retain his position. LSAP lead candidate Steve Faltz seeks to take the reins.
Both candidates present their plans and promises to the voters.
Georges Mischo emphasises the importance of enhancing public safety and has proposed a comprehensive communal security plan with 49 points. The plan prioritises increased camera surveillance in public areas and strengthening local associations that foster societal cohesion.
In addition, the CSV proposes a community plan specifically targeted at young people, as well as expanded activities and services for older residents.
The party also advocates for a plan for multimodal mobility, and efforts are focused on revitalising Rue d’Alzette. Notably, there are currently 135 business outlets in the city, with 115 occupied, 20 vacant, 5 under renovation, and 2 up for sale. The CSV asserts that it has successfully revalorised the city centre.
The LSAP criticises the current majority for poor communication, citing inadequate and untimely notifications regarding numerous construction sites, leading to traffic congestion. The LSAP’s vision emphasises citizen engagement and aims to increase the number of municipal flats from the current 350 to 1,500, renovating all existing flats for rental purposes by 2025.
Mobility concerns also feature prominently, with the LSAP advocating for balanced transportation options, the construction of a new multi-storey car park, and the development of an active mobility concept.
Furthermore, the LSAP expresses disappointment that the CSV mayor has allocated only €7 million for school renovations in the coming years.
They also criticise the Municipal Executive Board (Schäfferot) for delaying the renovation of Rue d’Alzette until now, arguing that it could have been ahead of the Culture Year 2022.
The current governing coalition in Esch comprises the CSV, DP, and Green Party.
Georges Mischo is open to the idea of continuing this coalition and rules out forming a coalition with the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (adr). On the other hand, the LSAP has remained flexible, refusing to exclude any potential coalition options, including one with the CSV.
Other political parties participating in the elections in Esch include the Green Party, which gained 1% in 2017 to reach 13.5%, securing 3 seats; the DP, which gained 1.6% and won 2 seats with 9.1% of the vote; and the Left Party (déi Lénk), which experienced a 1.3% decrease but successfully defended its 2 seats with 9.5% of the vote.
Additional party lists include adr, the Pirate Party, and the Communist Party of Luxembourg (KPL).
