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Dear fellow citizens,
Faster, higher, stronger – together, that is the motto of the Olympic Committee.
This is also the common thread that runs through the last 12 months, for better and for worse.
The war in the middle of Europe as in the Middle East, the worsening of climate change, the explosion in the number of migrants, all these upheavals have worsened and gained momentum.
Many of us feel disconcerted by these developments. Prices are increasing, penalizing those who are already economically exposed, the economy is slowing down and weighing on our businesses and the job market. Precariousness is spreading. For all these reasons we must show solidarity and do our best so that no one loses their place in our society. Added to this are advances in artificial intelligence, which will make our lives easier, but also pose many challenges.
When things get bad, we look for a scapegoat. This situation is nothing new. We have seen how, in the past, some have used similar circumstances to spread hatred and intolerance and we have seen what this has led us to.
The trend is there and it is on the rise. If we do not react, we run the risk that it will take over and present a danger to our society which is based on respect and tolerance.
Let's stay alert and show courage to prevent our values from being trampled.
Dear fellow citizens,
All of these topics, and many more, were discussed during this year's election campaigns. Everyone was able to form an opinion and vote.
Today more than ever, we must remain aware of the unspeakable privilege we have to live in an open democracy that guarantees freedom of thought. Because our rule of law and our democratic and humanist values are never definitively acquired.
Dear All,
Yes, the world we live in is complex. The problems are numerous, most of the time lacking simple and quick solutions. We will only find these solutions if we manage to join our efforts and work together, without selfishness, without ulterior motives.
For my part, I am happy to live in a country that welcomes people from 180 countries, from all parts of the globe. Of course we have our own identity, marked by our historical journey and, of course, we will preserve it.
But, precisely, part of the heritage that has been transmitted to us is not the openness that we demonstrate to what is happening beyond our borders, our refusal to surround Luxembourg with walls? This has brought us a lot so far and remains relevant today. We must strengthen our living together while respecting our values.
Also, allow me here to express my sincere gratitude for the contribution made by all those who cross the border daily to come and work in the Grand Duchy.
During the numerous visits that I have been able to make across the country, with the Grand Duchess, over the past twelve months, we have noted that the vast majority of our fellow citizens share this desire to make our diversity a strength. The Grand Duchess is particularly committed to the most vulnerable among us, here and abroad. They are part of us.
The observation that our salvation lay in our ability to join our efforts, I was also able to note during the recent COP 28 in Dubai, during the numerous discussions that I was able to hold with other Heads of State and with the community of climate experts. That being said, I do not underestimate the difficulty of bringing together 180 countries around a consensus.
Technological progress will undoubtedly help us, but it is also up to each of us to make our contribution, to make our contribution to a sustainable future, guaranteeing for generations to come a life in peace and dignity.
Dear fellow citizens,
The year 2024 will be Olympic. I therefore hope that the Olympic truce becomes a reality, that dialogue, solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance regain the upper hand.
Dear All,
Soon we will celebrate Christmas, the festival of love and peace. This is what I would like to wish you with all my heart, with the Grand Duchess, Prince Guillaume, Princess Stéphanie and all our children.
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!
Schéi Chrëschtdeeg an all Guddes fir d'neit Joer!
Schöne Weihnachten und ein frohes neues Jahr!
Bom natal e feliz anno nuovo!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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