The Meisch era – a monologue on education policy

In this super election year, Minister Meisch tries to present himself as a people-oriented and open-minded social partner with the hashtag #BildungamDialog (education through dialogue). Just a few days ago, the Minister tweeted as cheerfully as he seemed to be detached from reality: “OBLIGATION SCOLAIRE – Nom Dialog mat alle Partner huet d’Regierung leschte Freiden Amendementer ugeholl” (compulsory education – after dialogue with all partners the government has decided to amend the law).

Has the minister lost touch with reality? Who is he talking about when he says “all partners”? What “dialogue”? Neither the OGJ – Luxembourg’s largest youth organisation in terms of numbers – nor the SEW/OGBL have had any dialogue with the minister on the extension of compulsory education. Exactly one year ago, on 19 May 2022, a meeting of a purely informative nature took place on the subject of compulsory education, in the absence of the Minister, between senior officials of the Ministry and the SEW/OGBL and the OGJ. Since then, not the slightest trace of dialogue on the subject. Instead, the Ministry refused to talk and refused to consult.

This refusal of dialogue on the part of the Minister is the central theme of his mandate. This school year only, requests for a meeting from SEW/OGBL and the Landesverband have remained unanswered:

  • 23 December 2022 – SEW/OGBL, ACEN, Landesverband: joint letter concerning “age discharges” for supply-teachers;
  • 6 February 2023 – new request for a meeting on the subject of “age discharges”
  • 7 February 2023 – request for a meeting to discuss the subject of fixed-term contracts for supply-teachers;
  • 28 February 2023 – open letter on International Women’s Day, request for meeting;
  • 4 April 2023 – letter to the Vocational Training Committee/MENJE.

It seems that the Minister prefers to concentrate on his public relations campaigns rather than seriously tackle the problems of education. However, the role of Minister of Education also involves confronting critical voices, because when it comes to education policy, it’s not just a question of garnering votes for the next election.

Press release from the Education and Science Syndicate (SEW) of the OGBL, OGJ, Comité Chargés de Cours – FNCTTFEL/Landesverband and Amelux, 23 May 2023

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