News that Nicolas Buck, the outspoken president of the UEL, had decided to step down from the role filtered through on Monday morning. In an official statement, the UEL announced that Michel Reckinger, the president of the Fédération des Artisans, will succeed Buck as of 1 January 2021.

The Union des Entreprises Luxembourgeoises represents Luxembourg’s private-sector businesses, except for the primary sector, and includes the Grand Duchy’s professional chambers and employer federations.

Reckinger is the head of a family firm founded in 1911 that currently employs some 250 staff. Buck, who took on the role as UEL president in March 2019 was previously the president of industrial federation FEDIL.

“I am very proud of what the UEL has accomplished since I had the honour of chairing its Board of Directors,” Buck said via the UEL statement. “And I am grateful for the trust that has been placed in me. But I am above all an entrepreneur and a business leader and I now wish to have more time to devote to that. Buck added that he was “delighted” that Michel Reckinger had been appointed as his successor. “I know that he will be able to defend the interests of businesses at a time when the economic stakes are particularly high for them.”