current affairs
Local elections 2011
VOTERS WANTED A more inclusive electoral law has come into effect, meaning more non-Luxembourg residents are now eligible to vote. Will it be enough to get foreigners to the polls? Text: Aaron Grunwald — Photos: David Laurent/Wide
The Luxembourg government is looking for more non-Luxembourg residents to participate in local elections that will be held October 9 th. A revamped electoral law makes more foreigners eligible to vote, and even run for local office, with further reforms currently being mooted. Yet doubts remain that the Grand Duchy’s nonnative population will make a significant impact on Luxembourg’s political landscape. As of October 2010, there were only 22,720 foreign residents registered to vote in local elections, according to a research report issued by the Center for Intercultural and Social Research and Training (www.cefis.lu). While this represents an increase in registration of more than 60% since the 1999 local elections, it is still only about a third of eligible voters, compared with more than half of EU citizens who registered for European elections. In a statistical anomaly, the foreign resident election
date Line December 2010 & January 2011
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rolls have actually shrunk by about 5% since the 2005 local elections. That is primarily because Luxembourg’s 2009 dual nationality law means some voters previously defined as foreigners are now also Luxembourgish. Poor Participation Rate Why the relatively low turnout at the polls? Many foreign-born residents are essentially “satisfied with their lives and so not interested in changing things in their commune,” believes Christiane Martin, director of the Luxembourg Reception and Integration Office (LRIO). Laure Amoyel, an official at the LRIO contends that if prospective foreign-born voters knew they had “the power to make an impact” then they would become more involved. After 15 years of living in Luxembourg, “I haven’t voted, I must admit to my shame,” says Keith O’Donnell, managing partner at tax advisory firm ATOZ. The Irishman explains it is a question
More Vel’Ohs The Ville de Luxemdec bourg announced that ten new Vel'Oh stands will be built in 2011, bringing the total to 64 stations. The project will cost about €750,000. Since it launched in 2008, Vel’Oh bikes have been hired more than 360,000 times.
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of the “ level of the relevance” of local issues compared with national affairs: “I don’t feel strongly about local issues.” In his view, local politics are merely “reflections of the national parties and national policies.” Luxembourg’s electoral legislation has evolved over the past dozen years to become increasingly inclusive of foreigners, explains Martin. The 1999 ballot was the first time EU citizens could vote and be elected to local councils, although they cannot serve as a mayor or sit on executive boards. This year’s election is open to both EU and non-EU citizens alike, with absolutely no restriction on nationality. Martin adds that voter registration will close 86 days before election day, in stark contrast to 18 months before the 2005 poll. To boost registration rates, the LRIO recently unveiled a multi-lingual promotion campaign called “I can vote” which it hopes will help foreign residents identify more personally with the
Jean Monnet 2 Cologne architects dec JSWD won the “Jean Monnet 2” building design competition. The new €340 million tower will host 1,900 European Commission staff when it opens in 2016. The neighbouring “Jean Monnet 1” will then get a two year makeover.
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Preservation order dec The Château des Septfontaines was placed under a conservation order by the Service des sites et monuments. The decree protects the Villeroy & Boch-owned 18th century villa and grounds which are currently used as an events venue.
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