Grand Duke Henri;
Credit: © Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue
In his 2021 Christmas message, Grand Duke Henri spoke about the extraordinary challenges faced by our society, acknowledging that the Christmas holidays are an opportunity to remind us of the values that are fundamental for our living together: mutual aid, empathy, solidarity and respect.
He addressed the difficulties of living during the pandemic and needing to adjust our lives accordingly, acknowledging the enormous scientific efforts and international cooperation, vaccines and drugs that have been developed, allowing us to gradually bring the virus under control. He also addressed the long-term effects due to virus mutations, meaning a collective effort is required and everyone must bear responsibility, calling for solidarity within our society.
He thanked those who "are making a tremendous commitment to our country, so that we can emerge from this exceptional situation" and mentioned that we as a society have an obligation to poverty and to reach out to those who "live in precariousness in our country".
In a pointed reference to those against taking the vaccine, he acknowledged freedom of choice in a democracy and rights to hold opinions; however, he asked people to keep in mind that "individual freedom ends where the freedom of others begins. This freedom also encompasses our safety and health". On the same track, he stated "democracy implies respect for the decisions of the majority. To want to change this through the use of violence is undeniably on the wrong track. Violence is never a solution and is not tolerated in our rule of law".
He also mentioned other major challenges that we still face, including protecting the environment and references the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow at which important decisions were taken that will need to be implemented. He acknowledged that "it will not be a simple task, but it is imperative to find solutions with courage, determination and concerted efforts".
He talked about the Luxembourg economy having a solid foundation and that "Luxembourg has always succeeded in turning challenges into opportunities and our country has thus reinvented itself on several occasions", adding that "this is how Luxembourg presents itself at the World Expo in Dubai", i.e. as "Resourceful Luxembourg".
He stated that "the pandemic has ... once again demonstrated the importance of European solidarity" and that "crises of this magnitude cannot be overcome at the national level. This is a reason for more Europe and for a strong Europe". He also recalled that, in October, Luxembourg was elected for the first time to the UN Human Rights Council, and spoke about advancing essential themes such as the rule of law, the fight against climate change and the impact of the latter on human rights such as access to water, health and food, the rights of women and children and young girls, referencing to a theme that is "close to the heart of the Grand Duchess".
