Grand Duke Henri: “Luxembourg can overcome this difficult period”
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Grand Duke Henry“Luxembourg can overcome this difficult period”
LUXEMBOURG – Grand Duke Henri spoke to the country on Christmas Eve. He notably evoked world political news.
At the start of his Christmas speech, Grand Duke Henri described 2022 as a “special” year. Faced with the ongoing military conflicts, “millions of people are in search of a safe homeland”. Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine calls into question everything “on which we have built our peaceful coexistence since 1945”, according to the head of state. In this regard, he stresses that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and not through violence.
The war has a negative impact on a global scale, but so does the situation in Iran and Afghanistan. “Women and girls there continue to be oppressed, abused or even killed without any consideration.” In Afghanistan, in particular, they are victims of a state of mind “deeply rooted in the Middle Ages”. The Grand Duchess and the Grand Duke particularly want to help these people, give them a voice and support them.
Are we just in a complicated phase or do we need to change our habits in the long term? The question “can now be asked, because we have rarely experienced a situation where so many worrying developments have come together”, lamented the sovereign. Despite everything, the Head of State was optimistic: “Luxembourg has the necessary capacities to face this complicated period. From experience, we know that we have the ability to use our strengths to adapt to a new situation”.
The resolute commitment to peace in Europe is one of these forces. 70 years ago, the Grand Duchy drew a line under the Second World War to build a new Europe and ensure a new, fairer world order, through the UN and NATO. The close cooperation within the Greater Region, in particular, provides a stable existence for many people, Henri believes. The Grand Duke calls for a peaceful coexistence of more than 170 countries, which also implies “a fair sharing of our wealth”. Care must be taken not to widen the gap between the rich and the poor, especially in times of crisis.
Henri also underlines that here too, many people are not doing well, economically, and “risk falling into poverty”. The current situation is making it increasingly difficult for many people to make ends meet. People who need support. For this, it is all the more important that “our society is inclusive and offers everyone the opportunity to realize themselves and find their way”, insists the Grand Duke.
He also recalls that democracy is synonymous with regular elections and participation in the organization of society. In order to guarantee social peace in Luxembourg, the government consults with the trade unions and employers to find compromises between the interests of each. In addition, the country is committed, wherever possible, to democracy and respect for human rights. “We help pay for countries that are doing less well. We welcome many people whose existence is threatened in their country of origin. It is our duty as a society and as a country”.
Luxembourg is a progressive nation based on respect for others, universal values and the environment. “If we manage to transmit this attitude beyond our borders, we will have made a concrete and important contribution to a more humane world”, added the Head of State.
Even if no one knows what the future holds for us, Henri assures us that “we will all continue, Luxembourgers, our foreign fellow citizens and inhabitants of the Greater Region who work here, to commit ourselves to preserving our model of society”. We owe it to ourselves and especially to the next generations, finished the head of state.
(pw/jw)