Politics of Luxembourg
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Template:Politics of Luxembourg Luxembourg has a parliamentary form of government with a constitutional monarchy by inheritance. Under the constitution of 1868, as amended, executive power is exercised by the Grand Duke and the Council of Government (cabinet), which consists of a prime minister and several other ministers. Usually the prime minister is the leader of the political party or coalition of parties having the most seats in parliament.
Legislative power is vested in the Chamber of Deputies, elected directly to 5-year terms. A second body, the "Conseil d'Etat" (Council of State), composed of 21 ordinary citizens appointed by the Grand Duke, advises the Chamber of Deputies in the drafting of legislation. The responsibilities of the members of the Conseil d'Etat are extracurricular to their normal professional duties.
Luxembourg law is a composite of local practice, legal tradition, and French, Belgian, and German systems. The apex of the judicial system is the Superior Court of Justice, whose judges are appointed by the Grand Duke.
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Political Groups
Parties
- Action Committee for Democracy and Pensions Justice (ADR) (Robert Mehlen)
- Christian Social People's Party (CSV) (Erna Hennicot-Schoepges)
- Democratic Party (DP) (Claude Meisch)
- Green Party (François Bausch)
- Luxembourg Socialist Workers Party (LSAP) (Jean Asselborn)
- Déi Lénk (the Left) (André Hoffman)
There are also several minor parties:
- Communist Party of Luxembourg (KPL)
- Free Party of Luxembourg (FPL)
Pressure Groups
- ABBL (bankers' association)
- ALEBA (financial sector trade union)
- Centrale Paysanne (federation of agricultural producers)
- CEP (professional sector chamber)
- CGFP (trade union representing civil service)
- Chambre de Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
- Chambre des Metiers (Chamber of Artisans)
- FEDIL (federation of industrialists)
- LCGP (center-right trade union)
- OGBL (center-left trade union)
Recent History
Since the end of World War II, the Christian Social Party (CSV) has usually been the dominant partner in governing coalitions. The Roman Catholic-oriented CSV resembles Christian Democratic parties in other west European countries and enjoys broad popular support.
The Socialist Party (LSAP) was a junior partner in most governments from 1974 either with the CSV from 1984-1999 or the DP from 1974-1979.
The DP is a center party, drawing support from the professions, merchants, and urban middle class. Like other west European liberal parties, it advocates both social legislation and minimum government involvement in the economy. It also is strongly pro-NATO. The DP had been a junior partner in coalition governments with the CSV from 1999-2004 and 1979-1984, and senior partner in coalition governments with the LSAP from 1974-1979.
The Communist Party (PCL), which received 10%-18% of the vote in national elections from World War II to the 1960s, won only two seats in the 1984 elections, one in 1989, and none in 1994. Its small remaining support lies in the "steel belt" of the industrialized south.
The Green Party has received growing support since it was officially formed in 1983. It opposes both nuclear weapons and nuclear power and supports environmental and ecological preservation measures. This party generally opposes Luxembourg's military policies, including its membership in NATO.
In the June 2004 parliamentary elections, the CSV won 24, the LSAP 14, the DP 10, the Green Party 7, and the ADR (a single-issue party that emerged from the LSAP focused on pension rights) 5. The New Left and the Communist Party lost their single seat as a result of campaigning separately. The Democratic Party which had become the junior coalition partner in 1999 registered heavy losses. The long-reigning Christian Socialist (CSV) was the main winner, partly due to the personal popularity of the prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker (CSV). In July 2004, it chose the LSAP as its coalition partner. Jean Asselborn (LSAP) was appointed as the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
A complete list of all governments is maintained on the website of the Government of Luxembourg. [1] (http://www.gouvernement.lu/gouvernement/gouvernements_precedents/index.html)
Election Results (June 13 2004)
- CSV 36.11%, 24 seats (1999: 19)
- LSAP 23.37%, 14 seats (1999: 13)
- DP 16.05%, 10 seats (1999: 15)
- Green Party 11.58%, 7 seats (1999: 5)
- ADR 9.95%, 5 seats (1999:7)
- Déi Lénk(The Left) 1.90%, no seat (1999: 1)
see also Luxembourg legislative election, 2004
Facts & Figures
Country Name
Conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Conventional short form: Luxembourg
Local long form: Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Local short form: Luxembourg
Country code: LU
Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy
Capital: The City of Luxembourg
Administrative divisions
3 districts: Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
see also: Districts of Luxembourg
Independence: 1839 (from Belgium)
National holiday: National Day, 23 June (1921) (public celebration of the Grand Duke's birthday)
Constitution: 17 October 1868, occasional revisions
Legal system: based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
Head of state: Grand Duke Henri (since 7 October 2000, after abdication of his father Grand Duke Jean).
See also: List of Grand Dukes of Luxembourg
Head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker (since 1 January 1995) and Vice Prime Minister Jean Asselborn (LSAP) (since July 2004).
See also: List of Prime Ministers of Luxembourg.
Cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch
Elections: The monarch is hereditary. The prime minister and vice prime minister are appointed by the monarch, following popular election to the Chamber of Deputies; they are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies. The government is currently a coalition of the CSV and LSAP.
Legislative branch
The unicameral Parliament (Chambre des Deputes) is made up of 60 seats. Members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms.
Elections: Last held 13 June 2004, coinciding with European Parliamentary Elections.
The Council of State (Conseil d'Etat) is an advisory body which has 21 members whose views are considered by the Chamber of Deputies. The function of councillor ends after a continuous or discontinuous period of fifteen years or when the relevant person reaches the age of seventy-two.
Judicial branch
The Superior Court of Justice (Cour Superieure de Justice): Judges are appointed for life by the monarch.
Administrative Court (Tribunal Administratif): Judges are appointed for life by the monarch.
International Organization Membership: ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CCC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NATO, NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, Zangger Committee
Flag: See Flag of Luxembourg.
- See also: Luxembourgfr:Politique du Luxembourg
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