Committed opposition in Schengen – responsibility, attitude and proximity to citizens

Fernand Weimerskirch

Secretary – LSAP Dräilännereck

When control becomes shaping: the role of the opposition in the Schengen municipal council

There has been a lot of movement in the Schengen municipal council in recent months: a split within the citizens' list led to the emergence of an independent, committed municipal council, which also assumes political responsibility as president of the LSAP Drailännereck section – supported, among others, by a long-standing colleague, the secretary of the same section.

This change shows how diverse and important the work of the opposition is at the municipal level: between control, citizen proximity and constructive shaping.

Schengen – a symbol of open borders, cooperation and democracy in action on a small scale

The diverse tasks of a committed opposition member on the Schengen municipal council

Between control, shaping and citizen proximity

In a democracy, opposition is not an end in itself – it is an indispensable part of the political balance. At the local level, too, for example in the Schengen municipal council, the opposition fulfils a central function: it ensures transparency, control and constructive alternatives. But what does it mean in concrete terms to be a committed local politician in the opposition – whether as part of a citizens' list or as a representative of a party?

1. Control and transparency – the backbone of democracy

Probably the most important task of an opposition representative is to control the majority faction and the municipal administration.

This includes:

·     Requesting and demanding information on projects, contracts and decisions.

·      Reviewing budget decisions, investments and spending policy.

·      Publicly addressing shortcomings or inconsistencies to ensure that taxpayers' money is used efficiently and fairly.

A committed opposition member acts as a guardian and voice for citizens, especially those who feel they are not being heard. This is not about obstruction, but about critical monitoring with responsibility.

2. Independent political work and initiatives

Even without a majority, the opposition can shape policy. Motions, resolutions or proposals for discussion can be used to put issues on the agenda – for example in the areas of transport, the environment, youth or culture.

Especially in a community like Schengen, where local identity and international openness are closely intertwined, a committed opposition can provide impetus on issues such as:

·      Sustainable local development and landscape conservation

·      Promotion of associations and local culture

·      Citizen participation and digital transparency

·      Improvements in transport safety and cross-border cooperation

It is often possible to win majorities – even across party lines – with well-founded and citizen-oriented proposals.

3. Proximity to the population – the heart of local opposition

In contrast to state politics, local politics can be experienced directly. Committed opposition members are direct points of contact for citizens, listening to their concerns, mediating between the administration and the population, and bringing issues to the council.

4. Current developments in the Schengen municipal council

Building bridges instead of digging trenches – even at the local level

In the recent past, there has been a remarkable development in the Schengen municipal council: an originally strong citizens' list is now represented in the municipal council by only three of the originally elected members.

In the wake of this split, an independent, highly committed local councillor who previously belonged to the citizens' list has established himself.

This independent elected representative is now president of the LSAP section in Drailännereck and stands for social commitment and cross-party cooperation. He is supported by many others, including a very active colleague – the secretary of the same LSAP section in Drailännereck, who was instrumental in setting up the citizens' list from the outset and was elected sixth in the 2023 municipal elections shortly after moving to the municipality of Schengen with his wife.

Today, both political figures stand for constructive, independent and citizen-oriented opposition work that transcends party lines and consistently focuses on the well-being of the municipality.

5. Different perspectives: citizens' list vs. party representation

The citizens' list:

A citizens' list usually operates independently of national party structures. Its focus is on practical politics, transparency and the common good.

The advantage:

·      Greater flexibility in decision-making

·      Closer proximity to citizens

·      Openness to cross-party cooperation

The challenge:

·      Less organisational support

·      Limited resources and communication channels

A citizens' list in opposition is therefore faced with the task of developing its own networks and forms of communication in order to raise awareness of issues and credibly represent citizen-oriented policies.

Party representation:

A party in the local council benefits from the structure, experience and resources of its regional or national organisation.

This enables:

·      Access to technical expertise

·      Coordination with higher political levels

·      Strengthening local issues through supra-regional attention

But there is also a balancing act here: party politics must not overshadow local concerns. A committed party representative in the opposition must always put the good of the community above party political interests.

6. Communication and publicity

Opposition only works if it is heard and understood.

A modern opposition figure therefore actively uses:

·      Social media, local press and town hall meetings

·      Open information policy, e.g. on voting behaviour or council minutes

·      Dialogue formats to make politics understandable and tangible

Especially in small communities such as Schengen, open, authentic communication creates trust and credibility – two values that are particularly important in opposition.

7. Conclusion: Opposition as responsibility – not as resistance

A committed local politician in the opposition is not an opponent of the system, but a guarantor of vibrant democracy.

In Schengen – a community that symbolises open borders and cooperation – opposition means building bridges instead of digging trenches.

Whether as a citizens' list or party representative:

the task is the same – to achieve the best for the community, critically, constructively and with a heart for the people.

"Social, independent and committed – taking responsibility for our community."