Luxembourg, a monarchy since 1839, has developed a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Historically, Luxembourg's government has followed a policy of neutrality. Following the German occupation in World War II, Luxembourg's exiled government joined the Allied cause. Since that time, Luxemboug has been a founding member of the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, Benelux, and the Western European Union.

Political System

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is considered a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Luxembourg. The country gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1839. The national holiday is National Day, June 23, celebrating Grand Duchess Charlotte's birthday. Charlotte's date of birth is actually January 23, 1896, but the timing of festivities was changed to allow the observance at a more favorable time of the year.

Luxembourg’s current constitution was originally adopted on October 17, 1868 and has been revised several times. The document allows for universal and compulsory suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, approximately 2,586 square kilometers in size, consists of three districts:

• Diekirch
• Grevenmacher
• Luxembourg

Executive Branch

Grand Duke Henri is Luxembourg's chief of state, assuming the position on October 7, 1970. Henri's heir apparent is his son, Prince Guillaume, born on November 11, 1981.

The head of government is the Prime Minister. This person is typically the leader of the majority party or coalition, and is appointed by the monarch following legislative elections. Jean-Claude Juncker, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on January 1, 1995. The Deputy Prime Minister is Jean Asselborn.

Members of the Council of Ministers are recommended by the Prime Minister and appointed by the monarch. The current ministers are:

• Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development - Fernand Boden
• Culture, Higher Education and Research - Francois Biltgen
• Economy and Foreign Trade - Jeannot Krecke
• Equal Opportunity - Marie-Josee Jacobs
• Employment and Labor - Francois Biltgen
• Environment - Lucien Lux
• Family and Integration - Marie-Josee Jacobs
• Finance - Jean-Claude Juncker; Budget - Luc Frieden
• Foreign Affairs and Immigration - Nicolas Schmit
• Health - March Di Bartolomeo
• Interior and Regional Planning - Jean-Marie Halsdorf
• Justice - Luc Frieden
• Middle Class, Tourism and Housing - Fernand Boden
• National Education and Vocational Training - Mady Delvaux-Stehres
• Public Ministry of Labor - Claude Wiseler
• Public Office and Administrative Reform - Claude Wiseler
• Social Security - March Di Bartolomeo
• Transport - Lucien Lux

Ministry of State

• Religion - Francois Biltgen
• Transport - Jean-Louis Schiltz
• Secretary of State Relations with Parliament - Octavie Modert

Legislative Branch

Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes) is a unicameral body consisting of 60 officials. Members are elected by popular vote to serve five year terms.

The current structure of the Chamber of Deputies, by political party is (number of seats):

• Christian Social People's Party (CSV) - 24
• Luxembourg Socialist Worker's Party (LSAP) - 14
• Democratic Party (DP) - 10
• Green Party - 7
• Action Committee for Democracy and Justice (ADR) - 5

A Council of State also exists, serving as an advisory body to the Chamber of Deputies. This body has 21 members, appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of judicial and administrative courts and tribunals. The judicial entities include three Justices of the Peace, two District Courts and one Supreme Court. The administrative offices include the State Prosecutor's Office, administrative courts and tribunals and the Constitutional Court. Judges for all courts are appointed for life by the monarch.

Legal System

Luxembourg's legal system is based on civil law. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction with reservations.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Le Gouvernement de Grand Duche de Luxembourg Official Website.