Laurent Zeimet had in fact already moved on from national politics. Since the end of last year, however, the 51-year-old has been leading the CSV parliamentary group towards the next parliamentary elections. A conversation about divas in a crab bucket, Zeimet's views on the opposition and trade unions, the social wing of his party, and Winnetou.
Laurent Zeimet may have been in his job as the new chairman of the CSV parliamentary group for a few months now, but he still doesn't seem to have properly settled in, at least as far as the furnishings in his more than spacious executive office are concerned. Several large-format pictures are still on the floor, including a portrait of Marion countess Dönhoff, the legendary Porsche driver and former co-editor of Die Zeit. Bananas and chocolate bars are on hand to refresh the mind alongside a plethora of newspapers and books.
Lëtzebuerger Journal: You are not only a politician, but also a lawyer and journalist who used to be known for his satirical weekly reviews based on our 'Opgepikt'. Hence our somewhat unusual opening question: What would you ask the new CSV parliamentary group leader first if you were still a journalist yourself?
Laurent Zeimet: Why do you do a job like that to yourself?
We've always been wondering about this…
Seriously, I'm now 51 years old and have come to the conclusion that this was a good time for me to get out of my comfort zone. I was mayor for 14 years and knew all the processes, so it was time for a new challenge.
Unfortunately, as a politician, you are not quite as entertaining as you were as a columnist. Does one lose one's sense of humour in politics?
No, I hope not. You need humour in politics, even if it's just for a reply in the Chamber. But of course you can no longer speak as freely as a journalist…
Some time ago, you probably wouldn't have thought yourself that you would now be the leader of the parliamentary group and "back on track" after you were not re-elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 2018, even though you were mayor of Bettembourg and CSV Secretary General at the time. Now you're back. Whoever laughs last becomes parliamentary group leader?
You could put it that way. I didn't even think I'd be back in the parliamentary elections, but Claude Wiseler (the then co-president of the party) was able to convince me to run once more…
… just as he was able to persuade Luc Frieden to come back and stand as a top candidate…
I was on the State Council at the time, where I was very happy. I really never thought I would return to active national politics.
You want more? Get access now.
-
One-year subscription€185.00/year
-
Monthly subscription€18.50/month
-
Zukunftsabo for subscribers under the age of 26€120.00/year
Already have an account?
Log in
