Event Report: Roundtable on Luxembourgish Democracy

On Monday, 16 June 2025, a roundtable discussion was held as part of ASTI’s annual general meeting at Neimënster Abbey in Luxembourg City. Titled “Luxembourgish Democracy in the Face of National Challenges and Global Threats,”the event brought together politicians, researchers, and civil society representatives to reflect on the state of democracy in Luxembourg and beyond.

Speakers included Sam Tanson, MP for Déi Gréng and former Minister of Justice, and Raphaël Kies, researcher and co-founder of the Luxembourg Platform for Participatory Democracy at the University of Luxembourg.

The debate went beyond the question of voting rights for non-Luxembourgers, exploring structural barriers such as the exclusion of non-Luxembourgish residents and cross-border workers from national elections, rising political disengagement, and the role of consultative bodies. The discussion took place against the backdrop of growing far-right movements, populism, and democratic backsliding in Europe and worldwide.

The roundtable was moderated by Philippe Ternes (Independent Consultant, Co-Head of Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation in Luxembourg) and concluded with a carte blanche by Jean-Louis Schlesser, a member of ASTI’s Board.