The title of the coalition agreement is clear: making Luxembourg stronger for the future. Where are we stronger today? What evidence shows that your policies are working?
The second indicator is economic growth, which, although modest, is picking up again, whereas when we started out we were facing a recession and stagnation. We saw half a percentage point of growth in 2024 and 1% in 2025. We will do everything we can to maintain this momentum, as growth means jobs and tax revenue.
Third indicator: our measures to strengthen social cohesion, such as the energy allowance and the cost-of-living allowance.
Fourth indicator: we have far more renewable energy than in the past.
Finally, on the subject of security: first, external security, by investing more in defence. As for internal security, we have recruited more police officers and introduced the local police force. A great deal has been achieved, but there is still much to be done.
At this stage of your term, are you where you expected to be?
“We’d always like things to move faster, but democracy requires debate. I think we’ve already made good progress.’
Following the social unrest of the summer, some argue that the government no longer has the leeway to push through further reforms. Are they right?
“That does not reflect reality. I note that the pension reform, whilst a politically difficult undertaking—as we knew it would be—is the first of its kind in 13 years. Many other European countries have failed to achieve this. We have carried out a structural reform and are continuing discussions to modernise labour law. The Minister for Labour, 
Last year was emotionally difficult because of the debates, but they are essential to a vibrant democracy.
Luc Frieden, the man behind the role, what are your disappointments and your proudest moments?
“It is an honour and a huge responsibility to serve as Prime Minister. I am proud that the government has managed to preserve social cohesion and keep democracy functioning without extremes, unlike in other countries.’
There are no major disappointments. Admittedly, last year was emotionally difficult due to the debates, but these are necessary for a vibrant democracy and remained within those bounds.
In the latest Politmonitor poll, your popularity has fallen sharply. Do you see a link with these “difficult” reforms?
“There is inevitably a link, but a head of government’s objective cannot simply be popularity. Otherwise, we would get nothing done at all. I believe it is also necessary to carry out difficult reforms, because they are part of a long-term strategy. We could have waited another three or four years before tackling pension reform. But we felt we had to address the issues that primarily affect young people who will be retiring tomorrow.”
What other measures do you think were significant?
“Measures in the field of renewable energy, strengthening women’s rights… I believe that, generally speaking, we are too focused on short-term discussions without addressing the long-term challenges.’
I would also like to talk about issues that are close to my heart: innovation and artificial intelligence. My government has adopted three strategies on AI, quantum computing and data. These are technical subjects, but they will have a huge impact on the country’s future.
Is there any aspect of the coalition agreement that is proving more difficult to implement than anticipated?
“Governing is always difficult, but no issue strikes me as unrealistic. What has changed is the geopolitical context, which has necessitated massive investment in defence—something not originally envisaged. This obviously affects the government’s priorities and public finances. But it is a prerequisite for our freedom, and we are not doing this at the expense of our social policy.”
This article was written for the April 2026 issue of Paperjam magazine, published on 25 March. The content is produced exclusively for the magazine. It is published on the site to contribute to Paperjam’s comprehensive archive. Click on this link to subscribe to the magazine.
Is your company a member of the Paperjam Club? You can request a subscription in your name. Please let us know via club@paperjam.lu.
!["This will not be the last reform [of pensions] that has been made," warned Luc Frieden, while adding that future majorities are unlikely to promise more. (Photo: Julian Pierrot / Paperjam)](https://assets.paperjam.lu/images/articles/building-more-and-faster-that-remains-our-compass-video/0.5/0.5/624/416/780453.jpg)