The so-called Politmonitor asked 1,048 voters--spread out over different ages, political parties and socio-economic backgrounds--about their thoughts on fairness and worries between 17 and 25 May.

Out of the 1,048 participants, 50% found that Luxembourg society was unfair, against 39% who found it fair. Those who struggle to pay bills, women, and people aged between 25 and 64 mainly felt that unfairness is an issue. Those who support the coalition parties--DP, LSAP and déi Gréng--tended to not feel like they received unfair treatment.

Inflation, housing and future likely on election agenda

 As the war in Ukraine continues, and energy prices continue to drive up the cost of products everywhere, citizens surveyed said their main worry is access to affordable housing (75% agreed). , real estate prices rose by 13.9% as Statec said earlier this year. In some regions, the increase was more extreme: from 2017 to 2021, housing prices in Mersch for instance went up by 62%.

For many respondents (62%), the evolution of energy prices--despite existing subsidies--constitutes a major worry. It also is a new worry when compared to TNS Ilres’ survey from November 2021. It was followed by inflation (59%), the consequences of climate change (57%), the future opportunities of children (56%) and the increase in traffic on Luxembourg’s roads (55%).

Access to affordable housing, climate action and the future of children were the issues participants thought most pressing on the political agenda.

Those with a basic level of education (69%) and those who often struggle with paying their bills (82%) worried most about inflation, though even those who never have issues with invoices also identified the issue (51%).

As mirrored by the consistent decrease in unemployment, and the relative growth of Luxembourg’s GPD after the pandemic, the economic situation (24%) and job safety (27%) were lowest on the list of worries named by voters.

Financial anxiety due to price evolution

The study also found that while 81% still felt like their financial situation was good or very good over the past twelve months, 29% also felt like their situation had worsened. Over four in five citizens surveyed also felt worried about the evolution of prices in Luxembourg against 16% who didn’t worry.

Just about half (52%) felt anxious about their personal finances. Again, those who find it harder to make ends meet felt most worried, as did those between 18 and 44.

Most people also agreed to postpone the indexation of wages, as proposed by the government in its measures to mitigate the effects of the energy crisis on the economy. Aside from déi Gréng (48%), supporters of the other major parties of Luxembourg tended to agree with the measure.