Luxembourg City Mayor Addresses Drug Use and Aggressive Begging Issues

At the recent City Breakfast event, Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by the Gare district, despite increased police presence. Polfer admitted that the situation has not necessarily improved, with daily scenes of drug use and injection occurring in public spaces, even in close proximity to sensitive areas like schools.

The mayor emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and that addressing complex issues like drug addiction requires the collaboration of all involved parties, not just the police. "The police alone are not enough to address these complex issues like drug addiction, and all involved parties need to contribute," Polfer stated. She expressed a desire to see progress, but clarified that the goal is not to sanction drug users, recognizing the suffering behind such situations.

Polfer also highlighted the issue of aggressive begging in Luxembourg City. While additional police reinforcements have helped address this problem, with a significant number of interventions, new and dangerous tactics used by some beggars persist. The mayor specifically mentioned incidents of beggars blocking the A4 highway, underscoring the need for continued recruitment efforts for the police force.

Why this matters: The challenges faced by Luxembourg City, particularly in the Gare district, reflect broader social issues such as drug addiction and aggressive begging. Addressing these complex problems requires a collaborative effort from various involved parties and a comprehensive approach that goes beyond law enforcement measures.

Polfer acknowledged that there is no magic solution to these issues, but stressed the importance of establishing a legal framework that allows authorities to work effectively. "There is no magic solution, but believes a legal framework is needed to allow the authorities to do their work effectively," the mayor stated. Despite the increased police presence contributing to a calming effect in Luxembourg City, the persistence of drug use and aggressive begging continues to pose significant challenges for the local authorities and the community as a whole.

Key Takeaways

• Luxembourg City mayor acknowledges persistent challenges in Gare district.
• Drug use and aggressive begging remain issues despite increased police presence.
• Mayor emphasizes need for collaborative effort beyond just law enforcement.
• Aggressive begging tactics, such as blocking highways, require more police.
• Mayor stresses the need for a legal framework to address these complex social issues.