On Wednesday, the municipality of Roeser opted to commemorate one of the biggest names in Luxembourgish history in relation to the anti-nuclear movement. One hundred years after her birth, Elisabeth Kox-Risch has had a street in Peppange named after her.
Kox-Risch is considered a leading figure in the anti-nuclear movement in Luxembourg, most notably for her commitment in preventing the construction of a nuclear power plant in Rëmerschen. A committed politician, mother, and civil rights activist, she did not let herself be defeated, even at a time when it was difficult to make herself heard, says former Green minister, and Kox-Risch's son, Henri Kox.
"She also inspired us to commit to our goals and she did it throughout her life, she founded a citizens' initiative, she tried to keep the movement going. Even in Cattenom she said you mustn't give up, you have to keep working and believe in bringing about change in society. She was a great role model."
Kox-Risch was president of the Museldall citizens' initiative, founded in 1973, one of the first big anti-nuclear groups in Luxembourg. The movement also protested the creation of the Cattenom nuclear plant in France. She organised demonstrations, raised awareness among citizens, and helped to put together a broad societal opposition to nuclear energy, explains LSAP politician and historian Sascha Pulli, who wrote a book on the plans for a nuclear plant in Rëmerschen.
"Above all, she was a hugely important figure for this movement. She got a lot of support in time, of course, but we must remember that she was the woman who initiated the whole movement, she founded it, and effectively played a vital role." With 11 children and 27 grandchildren, Kox-Risch's political beliefs helped to shape the next generation, with her granddaughter Chantal Gary also serving as an MP for the Greens during the last parliamentary period.
"In my opening speech to the Chamber I said I was inspired by a very strong and dynamic woman. I think it's something that shaped our whole family, having a very politically active female role model who was open and kind to all, who fought for environmental protection, it was all very influential in determining our lives."
Former alderman at Roeser council, Raymond Becker, said it was important to remember people who made a difference in society. "Influencing things, pushing for sustainability, a better future, a more democratic coexistence. I knew her as a very dynamic woman, who knew how to convince people with her arguments. That was incredibly important."
The nuclear plant project in Rëmerschen never came to fruition. For many historians, this marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement in Luxembourg.
In order to share her story with future generations, the road sign for Rue Elisabeth Kox-Risch will be marked with a QR code, which can direct people to additional information about the campaigner's life.
