On Tuesday afternoon, the Chamber of Deputies organised a debate on current affairs at the request of MP André Bauler of the Democratic Party (DP) concerning the protection of democracy in a time when it is increasingly under threat.
Bauler underscored a commitment to the rule of law required daily engagement, warning that democracy should not be taken for granted. He further stressed the important role played by MPs in strengthening the democratic system and supporting citizens.
MP Laurent Zeimet of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) further emphasised the importance of open debates in the Chamber, press pluralism, and the involvement of citizens in political affairs, concluding that the Chamber serves as a role model for democracy in the country. This was followed by a speech by MP Sven Clement of the Pirate Party (Piratepartei), who offered the view that MPs should acknowledge their mistakes and be able to “change course” when needed – instead of whitewashing every issue.
MP Tania Bofferding of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’s Party (LSAP) focused on the need to promote democracy among youth through education, not only by educating young people about the system, but by involving them in political affairs. MP Fred Keup of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) concentrated on referendums as a means of involving citizens, stressing their importance at the municipal level.
MP Sam Tanson of The Greens (Déi Gréng) called for further regulations of social media in order to filter out fake news. Tanson then warned that democracy experiences a gradual death rather than a dramatically sudden collapse. Finally, MP Marc Baum of The Left (Déi Lénk) pleaded for a true redistribution of wealth and for better opportunities for citizens as a means of “preventing chaos” and fighting against fascism.
Recruitment to the judiciary has posed a challenge in recent years, with many positions left unfilled – something that may change with the introduction of Bill 8433, which aims to revise and broaden access to the magistracy.
Alex Donnersbach (representative for the CSV) declared that the new law makes recruitment criteria more flexible and open for candidates with the relevant experience in law from various professional groups. As an example, he stated that lawyers from the private sector, from the state, or from the university will be able to apply to a position within the magistrate.
This will facilitate recruitment within the magistrate in order to ensure an independent judiciary branch. MP André Bauler of the DP warned against the instability of the judiciary branch in Europe in the face of those an increasing appeal towards authoritarian systems. He then voiced criticism against social media as an unregulated “universe” where generalising claims are spread by algorithms and AI, thus proposing to inform citizens of the dangers of a weak democracy through commemorative culture.
PM Luc Frieden pointed to the strength of Luxembourg’s democratic system in a world where democratic norms are being flouted. He praised the respectful and strong democratic norms of the Grand Duchy and concluded that acknowledging its weaknesses is already a good starting point to strengthen it further.
