Difficult Times Central to Grand Duke Henri's Christmas Message

Grand Duke Henri commenced his Christmas message 2022 by referencing "a difficult 2021, 2022 will not have been an easy year either".

He commented about the environment remaining under intense pressure and expressed disappointment over the results of the recent COP in Egypt, before turning to conflicts which he remarked "have increased in intensity... millions of people continued to flee their countries in search of refuge". On the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he stated that it "cannot be summed up as a brutal war of aggression but calls into question everything that we have put in place since 1945 to establish a peaceful coexistence of nations: namely, the consecration of the principle conflict resolution through dialogue and not by force. The repercussions of this war weigh heavily on our entire world".

He also singled out "in Iran as in Afghanistan, women and young girls are mistreated, mercilessly repressed, sometimes even murdered. Particularly in Afghanistan, they remain the victims of a societal conception desperately rooted in the Middle Ages", to which he offered "Being at their side, giving them a voice to hear them and help them is a cause that is particularly close to my heart and to the Grand Duchess".

He gave hope by stating "I remain convinced, for all these years in the service of my country as Head of State, that Luxembourg has the means that will allow it to cope in these difficult times. From experience, I know that we have the ability to adapt thanks to the qualities that set us apart. Our constant commitment to peace in Europe is one of our main strengths." He referenced building a peaceful Europe after WWII and creating "a fairer world order through the establishment of the United Nations", and talked up membership of the European Union and NATO. Stressing the cosmopolitan make-up of the Grand Duchy, he stated "Life in society in Luxembourg is based on the principle of living together. Nationals of no less than 170 countries live side by side, peacefully".

Nevertheless, he stated that "living together is also based on an equitable distribution of national wealth, constant attention to prevent the gap between rich and less rich from widening, particularly in times of crisis". In that context, he appealed "It is all the more important that our social model be inclusive, offering everyone the place they deserve, to flourish and find their way". He referred to democracy and human rights, including welcoming people who seek refuge