At the age of 81, LSAP politician Robert Goebbels passed away suddenly overnight from Monday to Tuesday while abroad. The socialist served as minister for the economy, transport, and public works from 1989 to 1999. As early as 1983, Robert Goebbels was a state secretary for foreign relations in the Santer government and, in that role, signed the Schengen Agreements in 1985.
After his studies, Robert Goebbels worked as a journalist for Tageblatt. Even after retiring from politics, he continued to publish opinion pieces in the press.
Born in Luxembourg City, he became involved with the LSAP in the 1960s, a party where he also served as secretary-general between 1970 and 1975. Overall, Robert Goebbels was also active on the Luxembourg City municipal council as a councillor for two terms over 13 years.
With Robert Goebbels, Luxembourg politics is losing a strong character who did not hesitate to speak his mind and then debate it vehemently.
As the minister responsible for public construction, the socialist politician was, during his time in office, co-responsible for projects including the A7 motorway, a segment of the A13 motorway, and Mudam.
Robert Goebbels also remained active at European level after his national political career. In 1999, he was elected to the European Parliament for the first time, and was then re-elected twice, before deciding not to stand again for the LSAP on the European list in the 2014 European elections.
Robert Goebbels is survived by two children. RTL’s team would like to express its sincere condolences to them and to the family of the deceased.
