On Saturday, our colleagues from RTL Radio spoke with Minister of Justice Elisabeth Margue, who said her priority from the outset had been to ensure the justice system could operate effectively.
Two and a half years after taking office, Margue delivered a positive interim review. She cited digitalisation, faster court procedures, and an increase in court personnel as key pillars of her tenure. Over the past three years, 100 new judges' posts have been created – an increase of 30%.
The government plans to clearly separate youth protection from juvenile criminal law, placing a strong emphasis on reintegration and alternative measures over prison sentences. According to the minister, current legislation is no longer fit for purpose.
Despite criticism from human rights and children's rights organisations, the government is sticking to the minimum age of 13 for juvenile criminal law. At the same time, the focus will remain on reintegration and alternative sanctions before custodial sentences are imposed.
Margue noted that the government has been awaiting the Council of State's opinion for a year and expressed hope that it would arrive before the summer. She described the reform as a major undertaking that requires close attention.
Margue continues to advocate for a social media ban for young people, but stresses that such a measure would need to be implemented at European level. She views not only the content as problematic, but also the way platforms are designed – namely, to keep users online for as long as possible.
In addition to a potential ban, the minister is calling for stricter age verification, safer platforms with fewer risky features, and enhanced media education for children and young people.
On the subject of security in Luxembourg City's Gare neighbourhood, the minister rejected criticism that the justice system is failing to adequately address drug trafficking and other offences. She pointed to a series of measures decided upon within the framework of the national drug roundtable, including new investigative powers for the police, faster procedures, and additional tools for the public prosecutor's office.
The so-called "comparution accélérée" – or fast-track trial – is now making its way through the legislative process.. Margue expects it to provide a swift response from the justice system, without, however, restricting the rights of the defence.
The new procedure is designed to allow individuals caught red-handed committing certain offences, such as drug trafficking, theft, or domestic violence, to be brought before a court within a timeframe of eight days to one month.
At the end of the programme, the discussion turned to the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Margue confirmed that the government is working on equality in parentage.
Reforms, including the recognition of both mothers at birth, are currently awaiting the opinion of the ethics commission. However, she announced that reforms not dependent on the bioethics law should be set in motion as quickly as possible.
