RTL Today – Luxembourg: The 2nd chapter of the constitutional reform will be voted on January 25
The language, flag and national anthem were so far not defined in the country’s Constitution, which is expected to change at the end of the month.
According to the four rapporteurs of the revision of the Constitution Simone Beissel, Léon Gloden, Charles Marque and Mars Di Bartolomeo, the chapter concerning the Grand Duke and the monarchy will strengthen national identity. They presented several details of the reform during a press conference held on Friday morning at the Chamber of Deputies.
The language, the flag and the national anthem were until now not defined in the Constitution of the country, these national symbols will now be included in the fundamental law. In addition to Luxembourgish, French and German will be recognized as languages of the country. Luxembourg defines itself as a part of Europe, without questioning national sovereignty.
The role of the Grand Duke in the State will also be anchored in the text. He will therefore be mentioned there as Head of State, Luxembourg being a constitutional monarchy, which is again affirmed in the Constitution. Leon Gloden took the opportunity to criticize people who said that we live in a dictatorship: “in our country, democratically organized institutions are decisive“, according to the deputy.
The four rapporteurs are of the opinion that this chapter is not a revolution but an evolution, while taking into account all the citizens of the country and making great efforts to explain these changes to them. Constitutional reform has sometimes been mixed with the management of the coronavirus pandemic: “these are two totally different topics, it makes no sense“replied Fernand Etgen, the President of the Chamber. He also announced an information campaign, with a brochure sent to every household in the country. Information concerning the constitutional reform will be available in three languages. Meetings are not mentioned but not ruled out in the future either.
The text of the law on the chapter concerning the Grand Duke and the monarchy will be voted on in Parliament on 25 January next. The chapter on justice has already been validated by a considerable majority. The second compulsory vote should also see the light of day again this year.
At the same time, the bill concerning a National Council of Justice as well as the statutes of magistrates will also be voted. The opinions of the Council of State must still reach the deputies.