A new chapter for the Democratic Party of Luxembourg: renewal of leaders and challenges of the future

Last Sunday, the Tramsschapp sports and cultural centre was the scene of a symbolic change: the Democratic Party (DP) celebrated its 70th anniversary and at the same time carried out a complete renewal of its leadership. Under the slogan "Because Tomorrow Matters", the party focused on the new generation and socially liberal values.

Carole Hartmann, MP and mayor of Echternach, was elected DP president, receiving 462 votes out of 483. Defence Minister Yuriko Backes, former minister Corinne Cahen and Amela Skenderović became vice-presidents, while Culture Minister Eric Thill took over as secretary general.

Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel particularly emphasised the principles of selection: he noted that even without formal quotas for gender equality, women were chosen purely on merit.

In her first speech as party president, Hartmann recalled the legacy of Gaston Thorn, former prime minister of Luxembourg and one of the architects of tripartism, a model based on close social dialogue between government, trade unions and employers. This mechanism, she argues, remains a relevant tool for crisis management today.

Economy Minister Lex Delles, the outgoing DP president, bid farewell to delegates "with a smile and a tear", emphasising the party's electoral successes and confidence in the new leadership.

A strong European note was also sounded at the congress. MEP Charles Goerens, in his characteristically sarcastic manner, criticised the EU's weakness on the international stage, especially pointing to the failed diplomatic initiatives with the US under Ursula von der Leyen. He called for urgent reform of the European treaties, saying, "Without strong governance, Europe has no chance to play a leading role in the world."