Max HAHN
Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees
Yuriko BACKES
Minister of Defence, Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity
Claude MEISCH
Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning
Lex DELLES
Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism
Xavier BETTEL
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs
Stéphanie OBERTIN
Minister for Digitalisation, Minister for Research and Higher Education
Eric THILL
Minister for Culture, Minister Delegate for Tourism
Tuesday, 18th November at 19:30
with Xavier Bettel, Max Hahn and Claude Meisch
•
Tuesday, 25th November at 19:30
with Xavier Bettel, Yuriko Backes and Stéphanie Obertin
We are living in a time of profound social, geopolitical and technological change — in Luxembourg, in Europe, and across the world.
It is the responsibility of politics to provide you with clear and consistent answers to the important questions of today and tomorrow.
Our ministers in government, our members of parliament — both in the Chamber of Deputies and the European Parliament — and our many local representatives across the country take responsibility every day to shape Luxembourg’s future with commitment and a solutions-oriented mindset:
We provide people with equitable opportunities for the future, safeguard democratic freedoms, drive the sustainable development of Luxembourg and Europe, and reinforce social cohesion within our society.
Dear all, we invite you to discover some of the key projects and policies we are implementing — solutions for people, solutions for Luxembourg. And we look forward to meeting you in October and November, when we will be visiting regions across the country to discuss Luxembourg’s future with you in person.
We welcome you to join us!
This has always been a top priority for the Democratic Party.
In recent years, the tax table has been adjusted by 6.5 index instalments, housing benefits have been increased, the minimum wage made tax-free, and the energy premium tripled. The DP’s idea of a single tax class is also taking shape — the State should treat everyone equally, whether married, in a civil partnership, single, or widowed. For the DP, one thing is clear: with the new tax reform, no one will lose out. On the contrary, 85% of households will benefit from additional relief.
At the same time, we want to continue supporting those who are struggling the most through targeted and effective measures. With the first-ever National Action Plan against Poverty, the Democratic Party is making sure that assistance truly reaches those who need it most. This means: automating the payment of aid, harmonising eligibility criteria, and increasing the level of support.
Because it’s about tomorrow.
We experience the world increasingly through a digital filter. For children and young people, the time spent on smartphones or social media often turns into time lost. That’s why the Democratic Party is committed to promoting a healthy screen-life balance.
In schools as well as in childcare, screen time is strictly limited. Up to the age of 12, smartphones are banned, and in secondary schools their use is highly restricted.
In addition, the time gained is meant to be used meaningfully — with additional activities in sport and culture, physical exercise and creativity. In secondary schools, three hours of physical education are now part of the curriculum in grades 7 and 6, and grade 5 will follow next year — a major step forward for both physical and mental well-being.
Because it’s about tomorrow.
Making housing affordable for everyone — that is the goal of this government. There is no single solution, but rather a range of innovative and complementary ideas.
Affordable housing concerns us all, which is why a collective effort is essential. We therefore support municipalities and charitable organizations, as well as public and private developers, in the creation of affordable housing.
More generally, we want to build more, and build faster, while developing our country intelligently.
Through an adapted rent subsidy, we provide additional support to families with children. With the Jugendwunnen program, we help young people in transition from education to working life by allowing them to rent accommodation at an affordable price.
Because it’s about tomorrow.
Artificial intelligence must serve people first.
Our national strategy is guided by ethical standards while also promoting progress. This approach strengthens Luxembourg’s competitiveness and attractiveness as a business location, while creating new jobs and supporting research.
Our public administration is also undergoing a major modernization: more service and less bureaucracy, with MyGuichet.lu as the central platform for all administrative procedures. Citizens will only need to provide their information once, after which it will be available to all relevant administrations. Data security, transparency, and European cooperation form the pillars of this trusted ecosystem.
Because it’s about tomorrow.
Xavier Bettel, what are the main political challenges currently facing Luxembourg?
Like many other countries, Luxembourg is confronted with major challenges and changes. Beyond key issues such as housing and mobility, we must also tackle important social questions, like pensions, whe-re the system must remain sustainable for future generations. This is a matter of responsibility and fore-sight. At the same time, we must ensure that our country does not become divided. Politics must build bridges. In Luxembourg, we must look ahead together — only then will our country remain strong.
What are the next steps regarding pensions?
In discussions with the social partners, the government has listened to all sides, adjusted its proposals in several areas, and will now assume its responsibility by implementing the first measures. The Democratic Party will then ask voters, at the 2028 national elections, for a mandate to carry out deeper reforms. The Luxembourg model is not always the simplest; it requires energy and patience. But in the end, a solution supported by everyone is always the best — for society and for our future.
This principle applies not only to pensions. Especially in a small country, it is vital to include all parts of society and leave no one behind. That is what strengthens our democracy and makes our country more resilient in times of crisis.
What are the main priorities in your role as Minister for Foreign Affairs?
The international situation is currently highly dynamic. The Russian war against Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. It is not only a war against Ukraine, but also a war against Europe and our shared democratic values. That is why it is crucial that we stand united, both as NATO allies and as EU member states.
The conflict in the Middle East also deeply concerns us. The government’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine is a decision in favor of peace. It comes at a time when the two-state solution urgently needs renewed momentum — when members of the UN Security Council recognize Palestine as a state, and several Arab nations are taking steps to normalize relations with Israel. All of this contributes to enabling the State of Palestine to exist and function effectively as a state, which in turn will allow for democratic elections to be held.
Together with the government, I therefore took responsibility as Minister for Foreign Affairs and recommended the recognition of the State of Palestine — a decision for which the government has had a man-date from Parliament since 2012.
This was not a decision against Israel or in favor of Hamas, but rather a step toward peace in the Middle East. As Luxembourgers and convinced Europeans, I believe that we must always stand up for the fundamental values from which we ourselves benefit: peace and freedom, democracy and the rule of law, freedom of expression and solidarity with those in need. These are the values on which our society is built — and they are what I work to defend every single day.
Xavier Bettel
Deputy Prime Minister
The Democratic Party aims to make culture even more accessible to all citizens. As part of a national action plan, a decentralization of cultural initiatives is being developed in collaboration with municipalities and local cultural institutions. This also includes a stronger promotion of local traditions and customs, ensuring that culture reaches people — and people can access culture.
Another key focus is the development of cultural tourism, which contributes to the preservation, visibility, and appreciation of Luxembourg’s cultural heritage throughout the country.
In addition, with the introduction of a National Day for the Luxembourgish Language, the DP will continue to strengthen the role and value of Luxembourgish in the years to come.
Because it’s about tomorrow.
The DP is taking action today to ensure that Luxembourg remains an attractive place for businesses and their employees in the future. The goal is to create good and meaningful jobs for our citizens — especially for the younger generations.
We have also implemented a range of concrete measures that will have lasting positive effects on businesses. By optimizing the use of existing business zones, we are creating the necessary space without further sealing green areas.
At the same time, we are investing in future-oriented technologies, such as the new MeluXina AI supercomputer, to keep Luxembourg at the forefront internationally and to actively shape the revolution brought by artificial intelligence. This also helps to strengthen the competitiveness of our companies.
Because it’s about tomorrow.
The Democratic Party works every day to ensure that citizens can travel efficiently and comfortably from one place to another.
We don’t dictate how people should get around — instead, we offer a combination of attractive alternatives to improve everyone’s quality of life. The key lies in a balanced mix of transport options supported by mobility hubs, which allow for easy connections between car, train, bus, and tram, ensuring reliable travel for thousands of commuters every day.
The tram forms the backbone of this forward-looking mobility system. The connection to the airport was an important milestone, and other extensions — such as linking to the South through the high-speed tram — are the logical next steps.
Through the continued expansion of cycling infrastructure and enhanced safety measures, especially separate red-marked bike lanes, we are preparing a sustainable future for all.
Because it’s about tomorrow.
The DP stands for a safe, affordable, and sustainable energy transition. We are making Luxembourg more resilient to international crises, wars, and the price increases that come with them. Our top priorities are energy security and guaranteed access to the most affordable and clean energy possible — for both businesses and citizens.
As part of the Simple, Fast, Renewable consultation on renewable energy, we actively support the development of wind and solar power, particularly on rooftops, parking areas, and in industrial zones.
Through state support, the DP also ensures that energy prices in Luxembourg remain among the lowest in Europe. At the same time, we are broadly promoting new technologies, especially in the areas of mobility and housing.
Because it’s about tomorrow.
Gilles BAUM
Guy ARENDT
Simone BEISSEL
Luc EMERING
Patrick GOLDSCHMIDT
Carole HARTMANN
Lydie POLFER
Barbara AGOSTINO
André BAULER
Corinne CAHEN
Fernand ETGEN
Gusty GRAAS
Mandy MINELLA
Gérard SCHOCKMEL