Luxembourg City Mayor Cites Increased Police Presence for Calmer Streets

Lydie Polfer, the mayor of Luxembourg City, provided a positive assessment of the city's repressive phase during a recent CityBreakfast event, noting that aggressive begging has disappeared from the streets. Polfer attributed the calmer situation in the city to the increased police presence, which has helped address issues like aggressive panhandling.

However, the mayor acknowledged that the situation in the Gare district has not necessarily improved, despite the additional police reinforcements. "There are daily scenes of drug use and injection in the streets, even near sensitive areas like schools, which is unacceptable," Polfer admitted. She emphasized that the police alone are not enough to tackle complex issues like drug addiction and that all involved parties need to contribute to finding solutions.

Why this matters: The challenges faced by Luxembourg City, particularly in the Gare district, highlight the complex nature of urban issues like drug addiction and aggressive begging. Addressing these problems requires a collaborative effort from various involved parties, beyond just law enforcement, to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.

The city has already employed 75 people to respond to social problems, but Polfer conceded that there is still space for enhancement in the Gare area. While the increased police presence has led to fewer cases of beggars pursuing passersby, some have resorted to more dangerous tactics, such as positioning themselves at the entrance of the A4 highway to stop cars and ask for money.

Polfer stressed the need for continuous police recruitment efforts to keep pace with the city's significant demographic growth and the challenges that come with it. She also outlined the rules for fairground operators who wish to obtain a spot at the city's fair, demonstrating the administration's commitment to maintaining order and safety in public spaces.

As Luxembourg City continues to grapple with issues like drug addiction and aggressive begging, Mayor Polfer's assessment underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between law enforcement, social services, and other involved parties. While the increased police presence has contributed to a calmer atmosphere in some areas, the city recognizes that there is still work to be done to address the root causes of these problems and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Key Takeaways

• Mayor Polfer praised reduced aggressive begging due to increased police presence.
• Drug use and injection remain issues in the Gare district, requiring collaborative solutions.
• City employs 75 people to address social problems, but more work is needed in Gare.
• Aggressive begging tactics have shifted, with some blocking highway entrances.
• Continuous police recruitment efforts are needed to address city's demographic growth.