Moving on

Outgoing economy and foreign trade minister Jeannot Krecké has no regrets about his decision to step down.

The 61-year-old, who carries out his last ministerial duties on January 31, told wort.lu that he made the decision to leave his post before the next national elections back in 2009, for personal reasons. He believes that his departure will enable the LSAP party to give an opportunity for a new deputy to join the ranks.

“For me it was an honour to be re-elected”, he said, adding: “I hope my successor will get as much satisfaction from the role as I have.”

On the subject of the Tripartite, a crucial meeting between business heads, workers' unions and the government, which failed last December, Mr Krecké was clear the government did no wrong.

Ministers made the final decision about indexation reforms, based on consultation with social partners. He said: “It wasn't catastrophic because we had had intensive dialogue with our social partners. We've always tried to reach a consensus even if in recent years it's becoming more difficult.”

Mr Krecké defended the government's actions to push on with decisions adding that ministers were elected representatives.

“It doesn't mean that the Tripartite is dead. It must be retained but we must expect not to be able to reach a consensus all the time like we have in the past,” he said.

Mr Krecké was tightlipped about his own performance as economy minister. He said that it was for the voters and public authorities to draw their own conclusions.

He added that of all his duties and functions, Mr Krecké will most miss the support of having a 60-strong team around him as well as his work travelling abroad and fostering international relations.