“Luxembourg manages to overcome difficult times”
In his traditional Christmas address, the Head of State mentioned the themes of the climate, the war in Ukraine, and living together in Luxembourg.
Traditional Christmas speech
In his traditional Christmas address, the Head of State mentioned the themes of the climate, the war in Ukraine, and living together in Luxembourg.
Unsurprisingly, Grand Duke Henri addresses in his Christmas speech on this New Year’s Eve the war in ukraine which marked the year 2022. But he also returns to the situation in Iran and Afghanistan, as well as to the economic situation and the climate conference in egypt. This year again, the company has faced enormous challenges, he added. It is therefore all the more important to focus on the values that make life together possible, namely mutual aid, compassion, solidarity and respect.
Military conflicts around the world have escalated and millions of people are seeking a safe homeland, the Grand Duke laments. The Russian invasion of Ukraine further calls into question everything that peaceful coexistence has been built on since 1945: resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than force.
Video speech by the Grand Duke
At the same time, the Head of State underlines the overflow situations in Iran and Afghanistan. Women and girls continue to be ruthlessly oppressed, abused and killed. “They remain the victims of a transformed state of mind rooted in the Middle Ages”. Giving a voice to these people and supporting them is particularly close to her heart, as it is to the Grand Duchess.
The question now is: “Are we just going through a complicated phase or do we have to change our habits?” Rarely have we been in a position where so many worrying developments have occurred at the same time. He is convinced that Luxembourg has the necessary capacities to overcome this period as well. “I remain convinced that Luxembourg has the means to enable it to cope in these difficult times. From experience, I know that we have the ability to adapt thanks to the qualities that set us apart,” said the Head of State optimistically.
Commitment to peace in Europe and living together
One of these strengths is our resolute commitment to peace in Europe. We integrated a new Europe after the Second World War and activated a fairer world order thanks to the UN. “We also very quickly acquired the certainty that the defense of our interests and our security would be infinitely better ensured as a member of the European Union as well as of NATO, rather than having to assume them alone”, emphasizes the Grand Duke Henri.
According to him, Luxembourg has established close collaboration with its Belgian, German and French neighbors beyond its borders. “Life in society in Luxembourg is based on the principle of living together. “. But, especially in times of crisis, this also implies “a fair distribution of wealth”. The Head of State thus evokes the current economic crisis: “Many inhabitants are encountering material difficulties and are on the verge of poverty. For many people, the current situation translates into increasingly difficult month-ends. They remain dependent on our support.”
In his speech to the population, the Grand Duke stresses that it is therefore “all the more important that our social model be inclusive, offering everyone their rightful place, to flourish and find their way”.
We welcome many people whose existence is threatened in their country. It is our duty as a society and as a country.
Grand Duke Henry
“We are very lucky to live in a democratic country where elections are held regularly and where we can participate in the organization of our society”, recalls the Grand Duke, referring to the advantages of our model of society. In this context, he also recalls the tripartite which, this year again, defended the interests of the various actors and social peace in Luxembourg.
According to him, Luxembourg takes its responsibilities as a country very seriously, whether in terms of democracy, respect or human rights. “We welcome many people whose existence is threatened in their country. It is our duty as a society and as a country,” he explains. This attitude and the dissemination of these values constitute an important contribution to a more humane world. “We don’t know what will happen in 2023, but I’m sure we will all continue to commit to maintaining our model of society.”
In conclusion, Grand Duke Henri wished in his own name, but also on behalf of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Princess Stéphanie and Prince Charles, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. to all citizens.
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