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Head of State |
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"I swear to observe the Constitution and laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to maintain national independence and territorial integrity, as well as public and individual liberties."
Constitutional Oath, Article 5 |
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The Grand Duke is head of state of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Sovereign power lies with the nation and is exercised by the Grand Duke in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the state. His formal powers are conferred by the Constitution, but the Grand Duke exercises these in accorance with Luxembourg's position as a representative democracy. |
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Photo: The Grand Duke takes the constitutional oath upon his accession to the throne, 7 October 2000 |
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The Executive
The Grand Duke is head of the executive branch of the government. He sanctions and promulgates laws, making his decision known to the Chamber of Deputies within three months, and makes the necessary regulations and decrees. The consent of the Chamber of Deputies is necessary for all laws.
The person of the Grand Duke is inviolable. In other words, he cannot be tried or prosecuted in any jurisdiction and is not accountable for his actions. To balance this absence of accountability, all political acts of the Grand Duke are countersigned by a member of the government. The government is thereby responsible and accountable for all executive actions. |
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Under the Constitution, the Grand Duke is responsible for appointing the government. Taking account of the results of legislative elections, he will select a formateur, who usually becomes the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister then nominates ministerial appointees, who are formally appointed and sworn in by the Grand Duke. Traditionally, the government presents its collective resignation to the Grand Duke immediately following each legislative election.
The Grand Duke is responsible for signing treaties, which much then be approved by the Chamber of Deputies. He is also responsible for making appointments to the civil service. |
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Photo: The Grand Duke with the Prime Minister, Jean-Claude Juncker, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Lydie Polfer, at the Grand-Ducal Palace, January 2002 |
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As head of state, the Grand Duke can confer titles of nobility. He also confers civil and military honours, in accordance with law.
continues... |
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