Paperjam.lu

The vast majority of Luxembourg voters, according to a recent RTL/Wort poll, approved of the government’s overall performance half way through its term, but wanted the coalition to do more on affordable housing, mobility and climate change. Library picture: Xavier Bettel, the prime minister (DP), is seen speaking at a press conference, 5 January 2021. Photo credit: Romain Gamba 

A Politmonitor survey out this week took stock of the government half-way through its five-year term. 69% of respondents reckoned the DP-LSAP-Déi Gréng government was doing a good or very good job overall. The coalition scored better for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic: 85% said it was doing a good job (compared to 63% last autumn and 88%-92% last spring).

At the same time, 48% thought the opposition CSV (the largest party in parliament) was doing a good or very good job overall.

Performance to-date

61% gave the government credit for sustainable improvement in mobility and infrastructure, with 55% giving good marks for expansion of an attractive and safe cycling infrastructure. 45% said the government had made progress combatting gender inequality.

On the other hand, 73% of voters gave the government poor marks for the creation of social housing and affordable housing. 70% said the coalition parties had not done enough to reform the tax system to ensure tax justice in Luxembourg. And 62% panned the coalition on combating poverty, particularly among single parents.

Future priorities

Looking ahead to the government’s remaining two-and-a-half years, voters said their top priorities were housing (93% said it was rather important or very important), mobility (90% rated it rather important or very important), and climate, energy and environment (likewise 90%).

The poll was commissioned by the broadcaster RTL and Luxembourger Wort newspaper, and carried out by TNS Ilres, a research firm. That outfit surveyed 1,127 eligible Luxembourg voters between 31 May and 3 June. The results were published on 15 June.

Delano recently spoke with Xavier Bettel, the prime minister (DP), about his mid-term mark and the interview can be found in the July 2021 magazine, on newsstands now.