Paperjam.lu

Franz Fayot, the LSAP MP, asked the DP PM Xavier Bettel a parliamentary question on appointing Laurent Loschetter as chair of the public service broadcaster 100,7Pictured: a microphone with the 100,7 logoPicture credit: radio 100,7 

The centre-left MP asked the minister for communications and the media, Xavier Bettel (who is also the prime minister), what specific qualifications made Loschetter the best candidate for this particular post.

Bettel had come under fire by several people and newspapers, but especially CSV MEP Frank Engel, for nominating his childhood friend, Loschetter, to the post. Engel had provocatively linked this nomination to allegations of demoting civil servants because of their party affiliation and made a reference to a “purge” the civil service which had not happened since the civil administration (during the second world war).

Bettel reacted indignated, but it seems the controversy will not die down just yet.

Fayot extended his questions to more general issues relating to the mission and financial means of the radio station. He asked whether a new law will be put to parliament on these issues soon, and if so, whether this appointment was a sign of reforms.

He also wanted to know whether the mission of the public service broadcaster will be redefined, whether more funds will be made available, and what the role of the chair of the board of directors and of the management will be in the implementation of the reform.