Luxembourg MEP Isabel Wiseler-Lima 'Demistifies' Politics at Inspiring Women Dinner

On Friday evening, local entrepreneur and Deputy Secretary General of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) Daniela Clara Moraru organised an “Inspiring Women” dinner with Luxembourg MEP Isabel Wiseler-Lima, hosted by the European People's Party (EPP) group within the European Parliament, at House 17 in Luxembourg-Ville.

A select group of 47 people attended this interactive event, during which they had the opportunity to learn more about the political journey of Isabel Wiseler-Lima (CSV, part of the EPP group), who was elected as one of six MEPs (including two for EPP) for Luxembourg in the 2019 European Parliament election, and to discuss major current issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the need to defend democracy.

Daniela Clara Moraru, a Romanian-Luxembourgish national who entered local politics about five years ago, explained that this event was part of a series of CSV events aimed at "demistifying" politics and bringing people, particularly the international community in Luxembourg, closer to their elected politicians. Ms Moraru then asked Sonal Sharma, a local blogger originally from India, to introduce Ms Wiseler-Lima as someone outside the CSV political party. The Luxembourg MEP elaborated on this introduction, explaining how she was born under the Salazar dictatorship in Portugal before moving with her family to Luxembourg aged three. Her origins influenced her decision later in life to enter the world of politics, as she firmly believed (and still does believe) that "democracy is not a given". "If you don't defend it, you could lose it", she warned.

Isabel Wiseler-Lima, who happily worked for many years as a teacher before turning to politics, explained the main difference between working in local politics and being an MEP: when she was an alderman on the council of the City of Luxembourg (Ville de Luxembourg - VdL; 2017-2019), she was "very near the people". She continued: "When you do something, you see it on the ground immediately". In the European Parliament, however, it can sometimes be difficult to see the impact of one's work, of all the resolutions on people's daily lives, for instance in regions where human rights are not respected – indeed, she currently serves as a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the European Parliament. Nevertheless, even if one does not see the results directly, she remains convinced of the importance of "speaking loudly and communicating that we know what is happening [i.e. human rights violations], so these people know they are not alone".

Turning to the subject of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ms Wiseler-Lima noted that she had received groans or eye-rolling in the past from some people when discussing the importance of the European Union (EU) as a peace project. In light of recent events, however, this is no longer the case. She shared her personal opinion that if Ukraine had been in the EU, even if though the timing may not have been right, there would be no war today. As such, she once again strongly emphasised the need to defend democracy. Part of this includes fighting disinformation, for example from authoritarian states. "There are no bombs, but this is a real war", she noted in this regard. She recalled that "democracies are fragile because of our openness", citing the examples of Brexit and Donald Trump's election as President of the United States (US).

In the question and answer (Q&A) session that followed, Isabel Wiseler-Lima further discussed with the guests the subjects of political engagement, democracy and freedom of speech, the idea of a European army and the continued underrepresentation of women in politics, at both the national and European levels. Regarding what members of the public can do to defend EU values such as democracy and the rule of law, the Luxembourg MEP stated: "Be informed and stay engaged". As for engagement among young people, specifically, she shared her personal experiences of meeting schoolchildren in Luxembourg as a politician; today, their interest in politics, particularly in light of recent events, is palpable, although this is not the case in every European country.

On the subject of defence, she expressed her support (in theory) for the creation of a European army, citing the importance of finding the balance between the continued need for NATO and the need for a certain autonomy. She advocated becoming "so strong that no one would dare think about attacking us [the EU]", whilst also recognising that some member states have stronger armies than others at present.

In response to Chronicle.lu's question about challenges facing women in politics and how to overcome these barriers, she admitted that she had "never felt handicapped being a woman in politics" in Luxembourg, where there are many opportunities available to women with an interest in this area. That being said, the numbers do not reflect this and a lot of work remains to be done. "It is clear we have a problem", she stated.

Daniela Clara Moraru added that part of CSV's current campaign is to support new or non-Luxembourgish nationals as well as women who wish to run in the 2023 elections in the Grand Duchy – some of these potential candidates were even present at this event. Isabel Wiseler-Lima agreed that non-Luxembourgers remained underrepresented in local and national politics and encouraged any woman (or man) with an interest in getting involved to do so. "Don't hesitate", she concluded.

Daniela Clara Moraru then presented Isabel Wiseler-Lima with some gifts, including traditional Romanian products and a special edition of the former's educational card game "Wie sinn ech?" (Who am I?) dedicated to inspiring women. Another local female entrepreneur in the audience, Irdelle Lagnide, gifted both Ms Wiseler-Lima and Ms Moraru her "Made in Luxembourg" "Badass Queen" gin product made from hibiscus.

In addition to the lively discussions throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a two-course meal accompanied by wine.