Changing mood in Luxembourg: majority supports voting rights for foreigners!

Changing mood in Luxembourg: majority supports voting rights for foreigners!

A recent survey shows a significant change in public opinion in Luxembourg regarding the right to vote for foreigners. According to a study by the Ilres survey institute, which was carried out on behalf of the “Association de Soutien aux Travailleurs Immigrés” (ASTI), two thirds of residents, exactly 66 percent, and 58 percent of those eligible to vote, support the introduction of voting rights for foreigners. This is a remarkable change compared to ten years ago, when 78 percent of the population spoke out against such a right, as Tageblatt reports.

The survey was conducted in April 2024 and included 1,012 people, including 574 citizens eligible to vote. ASTI's Charel Margue notes that social dynamics and the electorate have changed significantly. In Luxembourg, 48 percent of the population do not have Luxembourgish citizenship and are therefore excluded from elections. Margue emphasizes the urgency of giving this population a political voice in order to promote a democratic reorganization of the country.

Demographic differences in approval

The survey shows interesting demographic differences in support for foreign voting rights. Among the women surveyed, an overwhelming majority of 70 percent are in favor of the right to vote, while 61 percent of men are in favor of a corresponding regulation. Among women eligible to vote, approval is 65 percent, while among men it is only 51 percent. Another interesting aspect is support by nationality: 56 percent of Luxembourgers without other citizenship support the right, while 65 percent of dual citizens and an impressive 75 percent of non-Luxembourg residents are in favor, as Wort notes.

Political support varies greatly between parties. The greatest support is among voters for the “Déi Gréng” party with 87 percent, followed by the Pirate Party with 77 percent, and “Déi Lénk” and LSAP with 68 percent each. The supporters of the DP and CSV also show majority support of 57 and 55 percent respectively. Approval is lowest among ADR supporters at just 22 percent.

Calls for democratic reform

The ASTI is now calling for an objective discussion about the right to vote for foreigners. Margue emphasizes that greater political participation from all levels of society leads to better decisions. As part of this discussion, the ASTI proposes, among other things, to introduce the right to vote for foreigners after a reasonable period of residence and to create a “chambre des citoyens” to support the Parliament. With these measures, ASTI wants to promote broader participation of citizens in political events in Luxembourg.

This survey is an indicator of the changing discourse on political participation and could provide an important basis for future political decisions in the country. Social attitudes have changed over the last decade, and willingness to include foreigners in the democratic process appears to be growing.