LSAP president Georges Engel stepped down as the mayor of Sanem last Friday, explaining that holding multiple mandates is too time-consuming. Political parties in Luxembourg agree that politicians should not have multiple mandates - but some seem to be in more of a hurry than others.
To cite an example, politicians planning to run as an MP for the Left cannot be an alderman or mayor at the same time. According to the party, one person holding multiple mandates would accumulate too much power, and be faced with an excessive workload.
LSAP has a similar approach. Party president Ives Cruchten explained that it can be difficult to juggle multiple mandates but expressed his respect for those who seem to manage. The Chamber of Deputies could be more efficient if Luxembourg were to put a definite end to multiple mandates, he said, adding that municipalities also deserve to have a full-time mayor.
A little more than one year ago, the prime minister asked the individual political parties to hand in suggestions regarding the reform of the right to vote. It was in that context that the Greens already demanded that the country put an end to dual mandates. They explained that two mandates are no longer compatible, not least as the municipal duties of mayors are increasing.
CSV meanwhile argued that banning dual mandates would not necessarily be a solution. The party upheld that Luxembourg would first have to implement regulations determining salary, social security and pension schemes both for municipal politicians and MPs. This measure would allow the legislature to keep the various positions attractive.
The Democratic Party (DP) argued that Luxembourg would first have to go through with the constitutional reform. Party president Corinne Cahen explained that her party has been in favour of a global reform rather than individual changes.
LSAP's Ives Cruchten on the other hand argued that it would be a good idea to limit dual mandates even before the constitutional reform. He underlined the importance of keeping mandates separated all while making the positions of mayor and alderman more attractive again.
In an interview with RTL, the president of the CSV explained that his party has proposed a meeting between all political parties that has as its goal to translate the suggestions into reality.
In other words, it seems like the majority of MPs are in favour of putting an end to dual mandates. A concrete reform project is nevertheless yet to be presented.
