Members of the Democratic Party convened at Centre Atert in Bertrange on Sunday morning for their national congress, an event marked by a strong display of confidence and unity among the party’s leadership and base. General Secretary Eric Thill opened the congress by paying tribute to the late Colette Flesch, describing her as a "Grande Dame" of the DP whose convictions and commitment have left a lasting impact on Luxembourgish politics.
Thill acknowledged that the political landscape had evolved since Flesch’s time, emphasising that, especially in these challenging times, Luxembourg needs “a party that brings people together, not one that divides”. He stressed the importance of open, two-way communication within the party and with the public.
European Parliament member (MEP) Charles Goerens highlighted the need to safeguard democracy both within Luxembourg and beyond its borders, warning delegates of the threats posed by far-right extremism and Russian propaganda. Goerens argued that the most significant political divide today no longer runs between traditional parties but between those who believe in the European integration project and those seeking to undermine it.
He voiced concern over increasing cooperation with far-right parties in the European Parliament, warning this trend puts Europe’s equilibrium at risk. Goerens offered pointed criticism of Russian influence in Europe, noting that some politicians and movements are “falling for Russian propaganda” and thereby weakening Europe from within. His remarks were a clear rebuke of Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) MEP Fernand Kartheiser, whose politically motivated trips to Russia have drawn attention at the European level in recent months.
The congress centred around themes of unity, democracy, and commitment. DP President Carole Hartmann called for serious engagement with the public’s concerns, particularly on issues such as housing, purchasing power, and insecurity in a rapidly changing world. Hartmann’s speech strongly defended the party’s liberal values, insisting that freedom must always be balanced with responsibility.
She reaffirmed the DP’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, press freedom, tolerance, and self-determination. Hartmann also outlined a series of concrete government initiatives, including increased investments in defence and cybersecurity, modernising education, adopting a responsible approach to artificial intelligence, promoting gender equality, expanding renewable energy, and boosting purchasing power through tax reform.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Xavier Bettel underlined the significance of the recent minimum wage increase decided by the Tripartite, describing it as crucial for maintaining Luxembourg’s competitiveness and attracting new talent to the country. Bettel addressed members who may have reservations about the measure, inviting them to “try living on a minimum wage for a month” to better understand the challenges involved.
He devoted a significant portion of his speech to security and defence policy, stressing that Luxembourg will need to invest substantially more in security in the coming years. Bettel also argued that these investments should generate economic benefits for Luxembourg through job creation and tax revenue.
On Sunday morning, the Democratic Party, which has been continuously represented in government for the past 13 years, revealed its new visual identity. The updated DP logo retains its distinctive green dot and introduces a new typeface called 'Demokratesch'. The logo’s design has been modernised with slightly rounded lettering, while maintaining the party’s recognisable branding.
Delegates also elected a new DP executive committee on Sunday morning, with 765 party members cast their votes – a new internal record for the party.
Committee members elected in the East district:
Committee members elected in the North district:
Committee members elected in the Centre district:
Committee members elected in the South district:
