Ben Streff is a rising star among the LSAP’s younger generation. The Berdorf municipal councillor embodies a generation that is demanding a greater voice in Luxembourg’s political debate. His commitment dates back to his teenage years. At just 14, he joined the LSAP. “Whenever I saw situations of injustice, it really upset me,” he explains. From the very beginning, one conviction has guided his actions: the defence of equal opportunities. “Social democracy is our core mission,” he sums up. For him, his election to parliament is not the culmination of a journey, but rather the start of a new phase and a symbol of generational renewal within the party. “A new generation is ready to take on responsibilities, and the LSAP is giving it that opportunity.”

A parliament that must better reflect society

He believes that the arrival of young MPs in parliament is a positive development. “It’s good that all age groups are represented in parliament,” he says. However, he believes that the issue of representativeness is still far from being resolved. “If only half the resident population is represented, there’s a problem.” He also highlights the high proportion of civil servants amongst elected representatives and regrets the lack of entrepreneurs and the self-employed in parliament. “They often have neither the time nor the job security needed to devote a significant part of their lives to public service.” It is no coincidence that his first speech in parliament, during a topical debate on 18 June, will be devoted to defending the self-employed and entrepreneurs. He hopes to set in motion a package of concrete measures to improve their daily lives.

A government that lacks direction

By a twist of fate, he made his debut in parliament on 9 June, the very same day that the prime minister, Luc Frieden, presented the results of the tripartite negotiations on the energy crisis to elected representatives. His assessment of the events is harsh.

In his view, the government has never clearly set out its own vision; “it has acted as a mediator, whereas a government should be a driving force behind ideas”. He also believes that the DP continues to hide behind its partners, letting them get their fingers burnt on sensitive issues before stepping in to play the role of mediator. He also believes that the executive has been in trouble since the large-scale protests of June 2025. “Today, we need a government that drives things forward and takes clear stances.”

Housing: a top priority

If he were to make progress on just one issue during his term of office, it would be housing. For him, this is the main challenge facing his generation. “It is unimaginable that young people should have to leave not only their village, but increasingly their own country, in order to find a place to live and start a family.” Why is Luxembourg struggling to resolve this crisis? “Due to a lack of political courage,” he replies. He believes that the financial resources exist and that more effort should be devoted to affordable housing rather than defence. He believes that local authorities also have a key role to play, particularly through their land-use planning tools. Without directly challenging local autonomy, he calls for a review of current mechanisms and advocates for increased state support in funding the infrastructure needed for residential growth. “If every local authority took its share of responsibility and built as few as 10 affordable homes, that would make a real difference.”

Reforming pensions without dividing the country

Another key issue, in his view, is pension reform. The MP acknowledges the need to adapt the system, but rejects any approach imposed from above. “We need a reform that everyone can accept,” he says. In his view, the government has made the mistake of consulting without really listening to those affected. He calls for in-depth consultation between all stakeholders in order to preserve social cohesion. This issue directly affects his generation. “It is today’s young people who will fund the system and who, I hope, will benefit from it tomorrow.”

Young people whom he hopes to engage with politics. How? By speaking their language and reaching out to them where they are, particularly on social media. “Young people don’t watch parliamentary debates that last for hours. They watch ten-second videos on TikTok.” Political parties must therefore adapt their communication without compromising their values. He remains optimistic, however. In his view, the emergence of a new generation of socialist elected representatives is helping young citizens to identify more closely with politicians.

Standing up to the far right

The new MP makes no secret of his concern regarding the rise of populist and nationalist movements in Europe. He believes that democratic parties must stand firm and adopt a clear message to prevent the far right from monopolising the narrative of simplicity. “If traditional parties no longer set themselves apart, citizens will turn to those who give the impression of having clear answers, even when they are unrealistic.” For him, the fight against the far right requires day-to-day work, both within institutions and in civil society. “We must combat it in parliament, in cafés and on social media.”