Voĉo meets the Prime Minister: "civil society organizations are fully respected partners of democracy"

Since October civil society organizations (CSOs) have joined forces to reiterate their fundamental role in society, as actors in a constructive dialogue on the societal model and current ecological, social and cultural challenges. This is achieved by promoting living democracyby acting as a rallying point, a place where mobilizationof raising awareness and educating citizens. They enable participation in the political and social activities and debates that are the very essence of any real democracy. Complementing actors such as political parties, public institutions and labor-related organizations and institutions, CSOs are the facilitators, guarantors and very proof of democratic ambition in Luxembourg. However, they had the impression that this was not shared by the current government, and communicated this impression to the political players and the Prime Minister.
At a subsequent meeting on January 10, the Prime Minister Luc Frieden highlighted its gratitude to the organized voices that enrich democracy.

The delegation of Voĉo appreciated these statements and noted the need for the various
members of the government ensure more genuine exchanges on key challenges and issues with the SCOs before any decisions are taken. In addition, concrete requests were made, notably in relation to the law on non-profit associations and the draft law on gatherings. With regard to these two dossiers, the Chief Executive promised to refer them to his ministers in charge, pledging to facilitate the necessary exchanges with Voĉo representatives. Indeed, he reiterated his government's commitment to the stakeholder consultationHe stressed that decisions were taken within the government or parliament. Voĉo calls for a transparency of these consultation processes and decision-making processes, and to strengthen the conditions for CSO engagement and work. The two parties also shared their concerns regarding the restriction progressive protection of freedom of expression and fundamental rights in the world, and particularly in Europe, where we are seeing a rise in extreme right-wing ideas and pressure on civil society, especially associations.

"I hear what you say. Mr. Frieden confirmed his willingness to continue this dialogue with Voĉo's representatives and to review the various findings in a few months' time.

Voĉo welcomed this constructive meeting and looks forward to concrete and positive results from this first exchange, stressing that constructive dialogue is essential to guarantee the fundamental values of justice, sobriety, solidarity and social inclusion.

Voĉo will be formalized in the coming weeks and will continue to keep the public and the press informed of the outcome of this dialogue.

As of 14.1 the members of Voĉo are :

Amitié Am Sand-Amizero NGO
Amnesty International Luxembourg
ASTI
ASTM - Action Solidarité Tiers Monde
Athénée- Humanitarian Action
CELL
NGDO Cooperation Circle
CLAE
Committee for a Just Peace in the Middle East
Cultur'all
Dignitas
Ëmweltberodung Lëtzebuerg a.s.b.l.
etika
Fairtrade Lëtzebuerg
brothers of men
Friddens- a Solidaritéitsplattform
Greenpeace
The sun in your hand
Friends of Piraja
Médecins du Monde
Ecological Movement
natur&ëmwelt a.s.b.l.
partage.lu
SOS Faim
Solidaritéit mat den Heescherten