The LSAP’s message is aggressive, more like that of an opposition party; and certainly not indicative of a governing party resting on its laurels. This is in stark contrast to the CSV conference on 8 July, where we heard a speech from a governing party--and where, in fact, the government’s record was the big story of the day.

The message from  and , the party’s co-presidents, was not ambiguous.

“We are ready to win these elections,” said Closener, “to make a difference and make life better for everyone. We proved in the municipal elections that we can make a difference. And even in Esch-sur-Alzette, we are once again the leading party. Esch is red again--even though the DP and déi Greng ran to form an alliance with the CSV even before the final results were known…”

Clearly, the loss of Esch, a strong symbol, hasn’t gone down well.

Programme adopted unanimously

During the campaign, there were no ideological compromises for the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party, whose foundation remains values of solidarity, equality and justice. Closener sums it up as “improving life for all human beings.” For her and Biancalana, “there can be no social progress without the LSAP.” What’s more, their antagonists are made clear: the right, the neo-liberals and the populists. “Liberalism does not make for a fair society.”

The congress unanimously adopted the programme that will underpin the campaign.

The 131 pages of proposals include the following highlights: a reduction in working hours to 38 hours a week with no loss of pay; an increase of €100 in minimum social benefits; a tax credit for the first five years of a career; the right to vote at the age of 16; and simplified access to nationality.

Taxation was also on the agenda. The party wants a “fair” tax reform, announcing an adjustment of the tax scale and the possible introduction of a tax on private wealth that would take account of property holdings.

As far as housing is concerned, the LSAP is calling for the relevant ministry to be included in the next coalition. “Housing must not be a financial product,” insists Biancalana. The LSAP is also calling for 25% of the rental housing stock to be placed in public hands.

“The perfect candidate for renewal”

It was with these words that Biancalana introduced  as head of the national list. Lenert’s task will be to carry this energetic programme into and through the campaign. The programme is strong--strong enough to either frighten or appeal to a large part of the electorate. But while Closener and Biancalana’s speeches were fiery, Lenert’s was reassuring and unifying.

The key theme? Prevention. Prevention in social, ecological and economic policy. Lenert presented this idea in calm terms: “prevention” rather than “cure” is how the health minister put it, concerned about inequalities and interested in solidarity.

Her role in the campaign will be to “convince people that the Socialist program is not a utopian dream.” And with the support of 226 out of 227 delegates, she can clearly rely on the unity of the party’s members.

This article in French in Paperjam. It has been translated and edited for Delano.