Grand Duke Addresses Climate Change, Solidarity and Mobility in Christmas Message

On Christmas Eve, HRH The Grand Duke addressed the Grand Duchy with his Christmas message; recorded a week earlier, on 18 December, Grand Duke Henri spoke on climate change, solidarity and mobility.

He started off by remembering 12 months ago and the rise of populism, whereas the events of the last few months have not gone in that same direction. The European project has been  strengthened  and the change of atmosphere is restoring confidence as we approach the future.

He recalled his participation in the COP 23 climate change conference in Bonn last November, with leaders of the countries that will have the most to suffer from the consequences of global warming over the next decades. "Time is of the essence because scientific studies show that we are on the verge of irreversibility."

He addressed the issue of solidarity; "let us be fully aware of our responsibility to others and to the planet". Also, "we see at the same time that the European construction gradually gives rise to a solidarity between Europeans that we have never known before. And then, beyond that, there is the solidarity between men and women, all inhabitants of the same planet. She is the one who has to play the full game to overcome a challenge that humanity has rarely known."

He also referred to "the recent inauguration of the tram, connected to the railway network by the funicular. This great day for mobility marks a milestone in the history of our country's infrastructure. The dramatic development of our economy in recent years has congested our daily road infrastructure. With the implementation of the efforts to improve public transit, our country is developing a tool that is proving itself elsewhere. Other projects are coming up to make it even more attractive."

He asked "On this Christmas Eve, think of all the reasons we have to rejoice to live in a prosperous and supportive country. Let us not forget, however, that too many of our fellow citizens find it difficult to make ends meet month by month and that they are not in a position to benefit from the general well-being. They require our full attention."