Prime Minister Xavier Bettel was attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland when he heard of the passing of his party colleague:
"It is with great grief that we are saying goodbye to Eugène Berger. Not only was he a devoted politician but also a talented sportsman, but most importantly a very good human being and close partner. We are offering our heartfelt condolences to his family and close friends."
After MPs were informed of Berger's passing in the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday afternoon, the session was promptly suspended. Several party leaders have responded since then.
Martine Hansen (CSV) said everyone was aware of his declining health, but the fact that it would end in this way was not expected at all. She complimented his energy as party leader, and appreciated the fruitful discussions they had over many years.
Georges Engel (LSAP) remembers getting to know Berger for the first time in 1992 or 1993, when he showed a video of climbing Mt. Everest. "A DP politician and human being that lived his life with heart & soul," Engel said.
Josée Lorsché (The Greens) reminded everyone that politics is not everything in life, but the fact that we are human beings that have to stick together is more important. He appreciated the solidarity amongst colleagues, and called Berger a dear friend and sports partner, admiring his strength and stamina.
Sven Clement (Pirate Party) said Berger was not the first MP to pass away during his position in office. Berger's family did not lose a politician on Tuesday, but a father and husband. An engaged politician that will not be forgotten.
Furthermore, the DP's International committee and Chamber of Deputies commented on Twitter on Berger's big heart in both a professional and personal sense:
The Representative of the European Commission in Luxembourg Yuriko Backers tweeted that one minute of silence was observed at the end of a Green Deal discussion at the House of the European Union in Luxembourg City:
As was already pointed out by Georges Engel, Luxembourg's Embassy in Nepal showed images of Berger's ascent to the world's highest peak in 1992. He has been a regular visitor to Nepal and strenghtened ties over many decades.
