Democracy in Luxembourg? No. A monarchy in Luxembourg? Neither. But in fact, you're not far from the answer... Intrigued? Let's find out about the political system in this little country!
POLITICAL SYSTEM
First of all, Luxembourg (also called the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) has been a sovereign and independent state since the Treaty of London on April 19, 1839. And, the political system applied in Luxembourg is a parliamentary democracy in the form of a constitutional monarchy. So, the answer was both! In addition, Luxembourg is also unique in because it is the only Grand Duchy in the world! Luxembourg is therefore directed by the Grand Duke (Nassau-Weilbourg family) and the crown of the Grand Duchy is hereditary in the family.
INSTITUTIONAL LANDSCAPE
Luxembourg's institutions are organized according to the principle of the separation of powers: executive, legislative and judicial.
Political system in Luxembourg
Executive power: The Grand Duke is head of state and represents Luxembourg abroad. He holds (together with the ministers) the executive power of the State. The Grand Duke is also head of the administration and the armed forces. He also appoints and dismisses ministers, secretaries of state, the 21 members of the Council of State and judges.
Legislative power: The Chamber of Deputies is Luxembourg's parliament. It is here that bills and the budget are debated and voted. The Chamber of Deputies decides on war and peace, and on the organization of military intervention by Luxembourg's armed forces in armed conflicts. The 60 members of the Chamber of Deputies are directly elected by the people for a 5-year term.
Judicial power: Courts and tribunals arbitrate disputes between parties (individuals or companies) or between individuals and the state. There are several courts, each with jurisdiction in a specific field (criminal law, labor law, civil law, etc.). Courts and tribunals are totally independent of the legislative and executive powers.
AND THE OTHER ACTORS?
Council of State: The main task of the Council of State is to advise the Grand Duke. And, the tasks of this council are both legislative and administrative. Also, the Council of State has to check all bills and law projects before to transmit them to the Chamber of Deputies in order this last one discuss and vote them.
Active citizens: In Luxembourg, voting is compulsory for all registered voters under the age of 75. So, every 6 years, citizens participate to communal elections by direct suffrage.Those eligible to vote in Luxembourg must be at least 18 years old and have Luxembourg nationality, or be citizens of an EU (European Union) member state, or citizens of a third country who have lived in Luxembourg for at least 5 years.
TODAY
Today, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is ruled by Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg. He is the first son of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte. He married Maria Teresa Mestre in 1981 at Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg, and has 5 children. The Grand Duke's heir is his first son, Guillaume de Luxembourg.
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