Luxembourg will hold its legislative elections on Sunday 8 October 2023, to elect its 60 deputies (MPs) to the Chamber of Deputies (parliament).
Whilst foreign nationals residing in Luxembourg could vote in the municipal elections in June, only Luxembourg nationals (including dual nationals), aged eighteen and over, are eligible to vote in the upcoming national elections. Some voters will have already submitted their ballots by post, but many others will be headed to the polls this Sunday.
In the lead-up to the elections, Chronicle.lu has summarised the main policy priorities of the participating political parties, starting with the current government coalition parties (DP-LSAP-Greens). The remaining (non-government) parties will feature in a separate article.
Democratic Party (DP)
Lead candidate: Xavier Bettel (incumbent Prime Minister)
The DP has pledged to invest more in public housing in cooperation with private stakeholders, as well as to pursue climate-friendly mobility.
In the hotly debated topic of taxation, the party has vowed to make the tax system more equitable and strengthen general purchasing power, for example by "unburdening" the middle class and fiscally relieving lower- and middle-income households, although the party's manifesto does not go into this in detail. Like the other political parties in Luxembourg, the DP expressed its continued support for the wage indexation system and social dialogue.
The DP has also advocated "flexible and family-friendly" working hours and work models (e.g. teleworking), as well as advancing the energy transition - with a social aspect (e.g. financing solar panels on roofs if owners cannot afford to do so).
To increase the competitiveness of the Luxembourg economy and attract talent, the DP has proposed to reduce corporate tax, bringing this closer to the EU and OECD averages. Similarly, the DP is looking to invest in innovation and education (e.g. in reskilling and upskilling programmes).
Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP)
Lead candidate: Paulette Lenert (incumbent Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Health)
The LSAP has proposed an overhaul of the personal taxation system in Luxembourg, pledging to cut taxes for lower- and middle-income households whilst increasing taxes for higher incomes. In addition, the party has proposed a 38-hour work week (without a reduction in pay) and to increase the legal minimum paid annual leave from 26 to 30 days. Another proposal is to increase the minimum wage by €100 (net) per month.
Like other parties, housing, mobility (i.e. an overhaul of the public transport system for better coverage) and the healthcare system feature heavily in the LSAP's manifesto. Another policy priority is to strengthen social dialogue in companies and maintaining the wage indexation system.
It also prioritises equal changes in schools, for example through a reform of language classes, a national digitalisation strategy and investment in cybersecurity and advancing the ecological transition, among other issues.
Greens (déi Gréng)
Lead candidate: Sam Tanson (incumbent Minister for Culture and Minister of Justice)
The Greens have advocated carbon neutrality, with solar installations on all new buildings, a rapid expansion of solar and wind energy, and simplified administrative procedures. They have also advocated the use of 100% organic products and stricter anti-food waste rules.
Other policy priorities include pursuing a more open and tolerant society (e.g. fighting racism and discrimination) and ensuring equal opportunities for all children, as well as improving and developing sustainable mobility (through investment in the railways, expansion of the tram, more cycling lanes, etc.).
Concerning the economy, the Greens have advocated a "Green New Deal" for Luxembourg that prioritises green technologies, climate protection and the expansion of clean energies.
In addition to wishing to maintain the wage indexation system, the Greens have proposed a new single tax class, relieving lower income households and taking into account families with children. On housing, they have suggested creating at least 800 additional affordable housing units per year in the long term.
In the 2018 legislative elections, the DP obtained twelve seats, the LSAP secured ten seats and the Greens got nine seats, together securing the 31 seats needed for a majority in the Chamber of Deputies. In October 2018, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg tasked incumbent Prime Minister Xavier Bettel with forming the next government (a continuation of the previous coalition).
The latest opinion polls have indicated that these three parties would still have a majority (if they decided to form a coalition again).
