Two classes from the fifth and sixth years of the municipal schools of Marbehan and Hachy, in the Luxembourg municipality of Habay, came on Friday 20 March to present their proposals to the Federal Parliament. They were accompanied by federal MP Georges-Louis Bouchez, who engaged with them and answered all their questions. The children proved interested and well prepared.
They explained what they believed the ideal parliamentarian should be like: kind, healthy, sporty, sociable, intelligent, positive, empathetic, caring, tolerant, solution-oriented, professional, serious, respectful, multilingual and well-dressed. Mr Bouchez was evasive about whether he met all these criteria, but stated that he works every day on ideas and long-term solutions for future generations, in collaboration with the other parties and MPs forming the government.
The children were particularly sensitive to people in difficulty: the poor, people with disabilities, or refugees. Tolerance and the fight against racism and sexual violence were also close to their hearts. Security, health, housing and a healthy living environment were among their other priorities. Mr Bouchez was more surprised when they asked him to protect their privacy. Some already use social media. He explained how certain information and data could be stolen and misused.
He then described the role of MPs and reminded them how essential it is to listen to one another, engage in dialogue, meet people and convince them. He also gave the young people a piece of advice: "Try to find out what you enjoy doing. Choose studies that match your interests or passions, so that later you can do a job you love. If, like me, you love your work, you'll enjoy every day."
To conclude, the children took their seats in the Chamber's hemicycle just like real MPs. The classes' proposals were put to a vote one by one. Most were adopted unanimously, to loud applause. Mr Bouchez voted with discipline. He then took part in the group photo and handed out autographs to the enthusiastic young guard. "I think I might see some of you here in ten years as MPs," he joked. The new political generation is already on its way.