So far, the politician from the Democratic Party has most often opted for blue suits and ties, while also focusing on similar issues in his addresses. Most notable of all is probably the housing crisis, a problem that was already present when Bettel first took office.
Livestream & Ticker: Bettel - 2021 State of The Nation Address
The State of the Nation speech is usually an opportunity for elected officials to present their vision for the country. In 2015, the government announced a paradigm shift with the introduction of regular referenda to increase civic engagement.
However, enthusiasm for the political tool seemed broken after the first one ended with three overwhelming no votes on issues including voting rights for foreigners and lowering the minimum voting age of citizens. The planned referendum on the constitutional reform seems unlikely by now.
Read also: “If the people want a referendum, they will get one”, says Mars Di BartolomeoRead also: Petition in favour of referendum on constitutional reform edges closer to 5,000 signaturesNevertheless, notable achievements were still made with the introduction of the new tram and making public transport free of charge for everyone.
In 2017, PM Bettel actually had to step up twice for the State of the Nation speech after a microphone failure occurred on his lectern. Focus was put on methods to improve family affairs, education, and child care.
In 2018, his address was more focused on reviewing past achievements ahead of the upcoming elections. Notable changes over the years thereby include the roles of the Deputy Prime Minister, a post formerly occupied by Félix Braz and Etienne Schneider, PM Bettel now has François Bausch and Romain Schneider at his side.
Despite the fact that the Greens became a governing party in 2013, it took a while for climate change to become a more central issue for the coalition. By now, the effects are becoming ever more notable in the Grand Duchy, and young people regularly take to the streets to voice their dismay over inaction.
The year 2020 was clearly marked by the appearance of a novel coronavirus and the subsequent pandemic, which set back a lot of government goals.
Given that parliamentary elections are to be held in two years time, Tuesday will be an important opportunity for PM Bettel and his administration to present their plans for the remainder of their term.
