For this edition of RTL's summer interview series, we met Ben Lomel, one of the coordinators of the Pirate Party, outdoors rather than in a studio or a party office.
The series features the leaders of each of the seven parties represented in Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies, offering a more informal opportunity to discuss both political and personal topics. Lomel, who has recently advocated for capping index-linked salary adjustments, touched on several key issues during the conversation.
While Lomel is often referred to as co-president, the Pirate Party uses the term "coordinator" rather than "captain" for its leadership roles.
Since December 2024, the party has been led by three coordinators: Ben Lomel, Starsky Flohr, and Claude Legrand. However, Legrand has largely remained out of the public eye in recent months.
Lomel emphasised that this is due to Legrand’s focus on behind-the-scenes work, while Starsky Flohr and Lomel himself take on a more public-facing role. Despite previous disputes, Lomel insisted that the team is now working well together and that cooperation within the party has improved considerably.
One of the Pirate Party’s main political demands is to introduce a cap on index-linked salary adjustments. Lomel explained that the party favours a threshold: “For instance, if someone earns €10,000, they would receive €250 from the index, and that should be the limit".
If someone earns €20,000, they should not get €500 from the index. The cap should be set at €10,000, he resumes, arguing that this would make the index more equitable and prevent high earners from disproportionately benefiting.
The interview also addressed the recent controversy surrounding Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden, who was seen wearing a bulletproof vest while accompanying a police patrol at Luxembourg-Gare.
Although Gloden later said he was following police recommendations, the images sparked public debate. Lomel acknowledged that while it is understandable for the minister to follow security advice, it is equally understandable that residents took issue with the optics.
He explains that if a minister goes somewhere and is told it’s safe, but then turns up in a protective vest, it’s only natural that people react. "If everyone’s meant to feel safe in the Gare district, then surely not everyone should have to walk around wearing a bulletproof vest".
The interview took place in Ouerbett Park in Kayl, where Lomel serves as a local councillor. When asked about negative aspects of the municipality, Lomel pointed out that parking is not free between 12pm and 2pm, unlike in neighbouring communes.
This often leads to confusion, as visitors assume parking is free and end up receiving fines, which Lomel said is discouraging people from coming to Kayl. As the owner of a local restaurant since February, Lomel noted that this policy is having a negative impact on local businesses.
