Change of power in Luxembourg: New head of government sworn in
Luc Frieden was sworn in as Prime Minister of Luxembourg by Grand Duke Henri on Friday. This is the first term in office for the Christian Social Party (CSV) and its coalition with the Liberals (DP).
The new government also marks a change of power: after ten years in opposition, the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) is back in government. At the ceremony on Friday, the Grand Duke swore in 14 ministers in addition to Frieden.
Former Prime Minister Xavier Bettel of the Democratic Party (DP) is now Deputy Prime Minister and is part of the new government as Foreign Minister and Minister for the Greater Region. Bettel had led the Luxembourg government since the end of 2013. Bettel, a lawyer, succeeds the Social Democrat Jean Asselborn, who was Foreign Minister of Luxembourg for a good 19 years.
According to Frieden, the 200-page coalition agreement is entitled "Strengthening Luxembourg for the future". Among other things, it provides for relief for the middle class by reducing the tax burden, creating living space, investing in renewable energies, less bureaucracy and making life easier for young families. Frieden will make a government statement in parliament next Wednesday.
In the election on October 8, the three-party coalition of Liberals, Greens and Social Democrats led by Bettel, which had been in power since the end of 2013, was voted out of office due to heavy losses by the Greens. The CSV emerged from the election as the strongest party, followed by the DP. The new alliance has a majority of 35 of the 60 seats in parliament. Luxembourg has a population of around 660,000.
In the elections on October 8, the Christian Social Party (CSV) under Luc Frieden's leadership became the strongest party, leading to their return to power after a decade in opposition. As part of the new government, Xavier Bettel, the former Prime Minister from the Democratic Party (DP), now serves as Deputy Prime Minister and holds the roles of Foreign Minister and Minister for the Greater Region.
Source: www.dpa.com
