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The Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) is gaining momentum in Luxembourg, with recent polling placing it at 12.8%—enough to secure eight seats in the Chamber, according to RTL’s latest survey. Fred Keup, the party’s parliamentary group leader, attributes this rise to the ADR’s willingness to address issues other parties avoid, including crime and asylum policies. Speaking to RTL Today, Keup argued that Luxembourg’s political establishment lacks the courage to confront pressing concerns. He pointed to the party’s dynamic approach in parliament, despite its relative newness, as a key factor in its growing support. While welcoming the polling numbers, Keup emphasised that elections—not surveys—will ultimately determine the ADR’s success. However, he sees a clear upward trend, suggesting the party’s influence will continue to grow. Keup rejected comparisons between the ADR’s rise and the success of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), instead framing it as part of a broader European shift. He cited Germany’s Left Party as another example of opposition parties gaining traction when established parties fail to address major challenges. The ADR’s recent focus on crime has drawn attention, particularly after MP Tom Weidig claimed that illegal immigration and asylum seekers with little chance of approval are contributing to rising crime. When pressed about the lack of official statistics to support these claims—since detailed crime data was abolished in 2017 under the previous government—Keup cited feedback from security sector professionals. He argued that Luxembourg’s situation mirrors trends in other countries, despite the absence of updated official figures. Keup clarified that Weidig’s comments were not targeting all asylum seekers but a minority who, in his view, pose repeated problems. He welcomed the directness of the statement, calling for faster court proceedings, reinstated crime statistics, and stronger police support. The ADR backs the planned comparution immédiate system, which would expedite court appearances, as well as recent measures allowing police to ban troublemakers from specific areas. While acknowledging government efforts to boost police numbers and security, Keup criticised politicians for avoiding frank discussions on issues like drug dealing in the Luxembourg-Gare area. He argued that some individuals exploit Luxembourg’s openness for illegal activities, and that decisive action is needed. On deportations, Keup pointed to Denmark’s recent initiatives as evidence that European leaders can take bold steps, contrasting this with Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden’s perceived lack of engagement. He stressed that while EU cooperation is essential for returns, Luxembourg must first clearly identify and address its problems. The ADR’s growing influence reflects a broader voter frustration with established parties, according to Keup, who argues that only by facing difficult truths can Luxembourg’s political leaders regain public trust.
The Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) is gaining momentum in Luxembourg, with recent polling placing it at 12.8%—enough to secure eight seats in the Chamber, according to RTL’s latest survey. Fred Keup, the party’s parliamentary group leader, attributes this rise to the ADR’s willingness to address issues other parties avoid, including crime and asylum policies.
Speaking to RTL Today, Keup argued that Luxembourg’s political establishment lacks the courage to confront pressing concerns. He pointed to the party’s dynamic approach in parliament, despite its relative newness, as a key factor in its growing support. While welcoming the polling numbers, Keup emphasised that elections—not surveys—will ultimately determine the ADR’s success. However, he sees a clear upward trend, suggesting the party’s influence will continue to grow.
Keup rejected comparisons between the ADR’s rise and the success of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), instead framing it as part of a broader European shift. He cited Germany’s Left Party as another example of opposition parties gaining traction when established parties fail to address major challenges.
The ADR’s recent focus on crime has drawn attention, particularly after MP Tom Weidig claimed that illegal immigration and asylum seekers with little chance of approval are contributing to rising crime. When pressed about the lack of official statistics to support these claims—since detailed crime data was abolished in 2017 under the previous government—Keup cited feedback from security sector professionals. He argued that Luxembourg’s situation mirrors trends in other countries, despite the absence of updated official figures.
Keup clarified that Weidig’s comments were not targeting all asylum seekers but a minority who, in his view, pose repeated problems. He welcomed the directness of the statement, calling for faster court proceedings, reinstated crime statistics, and stronger police support. The ADR backs the planned comparution immédiate system, which would expedite court appearances, as well as recent measures allowing police to ban troublemakers from specific areas.
While acknowledging government efforts to boost police numbers and security, Keup criticised politicians for avoiding frank discussions on issues like drug dealing in the Luxembourg-Gare area. He argued that some individuals exploit Luxembourg’s openness for illegal activities, and that decisive action is needed.
On deportations, Keup pointed to Denmark’s recent initiatives as evidence that European leaders can take bold steps, contrasting this with Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden’s perceived lack of engagement. He stressed that while EU cooperation is essential for returns, Luxembourg must first clearly identify and address its problems.
The ADR’s growing influence reflects a broader voter frustration with established parties, according to Keup, who argues that only by facing difficult truths can Luxembourg’s political leaders regain public trust.
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