During the presentation, Mars Di Bartolomeo (LSAP), Léon Gloden (CSV), Simone Beissel (DP), and Charel Margue (The Greens) announced that the discussion around referenda is not yet concluded.
The first chapter of the reform is concerned with the justice system and will put up for vote in the Chamber of Deputies before the end of the month. An information meeting on the issue will be held on Friday 8 October, and a roundtable discussion will be organised on 18 October.
MP Gloden explained that the most significant difference to the large-scale constitutional reform, which was initially planned, lies in independence of the justice system and the role of its responsible minister. The CSV politician noted that no EU country has managed to find a universal solution, which is why some decide on complete independence, while others opt for a functional or relative independence.
Latter idea is what the constitutional reform here in the Grand Duchy also envisions. Contrary to what was planned a number of years ago, no referendum on the constitutional reform is set to be held.
Di Bartolomeo, who is also the president of the institution commission, underlined that this was not out of fear, but because circumstances have changed: “We are keeping more elements of the previous version than initially anticipated, and we opted to progress with the help of individual chapters. This means that it is more difficult to consult with the public on each step.”
Nevertheless, Di Bartolomeo also noted that the constitution already has a regulated process by which citizens can file and support a referendum: “If the people want a referendum, they will get one.”
The government is obliged to organise a referendum if a minimum of 25,000 eligible voters sign a respective demand.
