Editorial - Mini-Lënster's lesson in democracy

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Every two years since 2009, a part of Junglinster has been transformed into a child-sized commune. From the local council, police, doctor and fire brigade to the shops and cinema, the children play at being grown-ups, working to earn money, pay taxes and have fun. It's an appealing concept, and a delightful implementation for the adults allowed into this separate world. And we find ourselves dreaming – will children, innocent people in the making, show us the way? Will they inevitably do better than us, since they are not yet burdened and perverted by the constraints and excesses of the adult world?

According to observations made by Journal 's journalists, who took turns accompanying the budding reporters over the two weeks, Mini-Lënster 2025 did not reinvent the foundations of democracy. Of course, it's refreshing to see children rushing to the polls and rejoicing in doing so – a feeling that is clearly lost with the acquisition of the right to vote. But few had read the election posters of the candidates for the municipal council, and they ultimately waited for the speeches of the various candidates before taking a position, all the while favouring the incumbents. Meanwhile, one reporter was indignant during the first election, ranting that the elected mayor "wouldn't keep his promises". In fact, he did keep them – including that of abolishing income tax for citizens, which inadvertently led an increase in corporate tax and a sharp rise in inflation.