Luxtoday

Eric Thill

In this article, we get into Thill's biography, highlight his notable achievements, explore his political views and support, and offer insights into his intriguing personal life. Join us on this exploration of Eric Thill's impactful journey in Luxembourgish politics.

GOVERNMENT MEMBER

DP

Ideology

Center-right ideology

Active since

2017

Main focus

Democratic Party, Center-right ideology, Decentralization and Telecommuting

Eric Thill, born in 1993, is a prominent Luxembourgish politician affiliated with the Democratic Party. Graduating from the University of Luxembourg with a degree in business administration in 2017, Thill embarked on a dual journey of education and public service. Initially elected as the first alderman in his hometown of Schieren after completing his studies, he later pursued a Master's in European Governance from the same university. In a remarkable ascent, Thill assumed the role of mayor in 2019 at the age of 26, becoming not only the youngest acting mayor in Luxembourg but also the youngest in the nation's history.

Building on his political success, Eric Thill expanded his influence, taking on the role of Parliamentary Attaché in 2020. Notably, in November 2023, he achieved another milestone by being appointed Minister of Culture and Minister Delegate for Tourism.

Biography

Born on November 27, 1993, in Schieren, Eric Thill embarked on a path of academic excellence, earning his business administration diploma from the University of Luxembourg in 2017. Post-graduation, he ventured into the professional realm, commencing employment on October 1, 2017, at Andrisk, a small company founded by his godfather. His focus at Andrisk centered on regulatory compliance, although this professional stint was short-lived. Shortly thereafter, Thill underwent a transformative shift towards a career in politics, a journey we will explore in the following section.

Parallel to his early political involvement, Thill furthered his academic pursuits, initiating a master's in European Governance at the same university. This dual commitment to education and politics showcases his dedication to a well-rounded understanding of governance, a facet that would play a pivotal role in his subsequent political endeavors.

Achievements

Eric Thill, upon assuming his role within the commune, set forth priorities centered on the revitalization of key cultural and educational institutions.

Schieren Mayor

His vision encompassed the renewal of the cultural center, the elementary school, and the establishment of relay houses. Additionally, he aspired to elevate the local archaeological site, a Gallo-Roman villa, envisioning its transformation into a potential museum.Within the first year of his tenure, Thill celebrated tangible accomplishments. Notably, the municipality witnessed increased employment, and two crucial projects he championed, the renovation of the cultural center and the construction of relay houses, came to fruition. Progress extended beyond these initiatives, with the long-debated PAG (General Development Plan) finally securing approval, a milestone pending since 2008.

Nordstad project

Remaining dedicated to the advancement of his commune, Thill actively represented its interests in significant projects like Nordstad, aiming to unite Schieren with four other municipalities. Advocating for this merger, he perceives it as an exceptional opportunity, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being and quality of life throughout the discussions. On the national stage, serving as a parliamentary assistant within the Democratic Party faction, Thill focused on housing and territorial planning issues.Thill ardently believes in keeping citizens informed about ongoing developments, particularly regarding crucial decisions such as the potential merger. In his view, regular updates and citizen consultations are essential, and the commune has organized informative meetings to ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process.

Professional activities and relationships

Eric hill's political journey commenced in 2017, demonstrating a commitment to the party's ideals and objectives.

Municipal politics

Eric Thill's political journey unfolded early in 2017 when, at the age of 24, he entered the municipal arena by contesting the elections in his birthplace, Schieren. Surpassing expectations, he secured an impressive victory, topping the list with 479 votes and earning the position of first alderman in the commune. 

Thill's unexpected success signaled a desire for change among the electorate, prompting him to leave his recently started job to fully commit to politics. In a surprising turn of events in December 2019, following the resignation of the previous mayor amid disagreements within the PAG, Thill assumed the role of mayor, becoming the country's youngest serving mayor at 26 and the youngest in history.

Involvement with DP

Eric Thill’s involvement with the DP traces back to 2017 when he ran for the municipal elections with the party, and it solidified in March 2019 when he became president of the northern regional committee. Since then, he still occupies this position.

National Politics

Eric Thill’s involvement with the DP traces back to 2017 when he ran for the municipal elections with the party, and it solidified in March 2019 when he became president of the northern regional committee. Since then, he still occupies this position. 

Governmental Roles

November 2023 marked a significant milestone in Eric Thill's political career. Though falling short in his bid for a parliamentary seat, he was appointed Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism in the Frieden-Bettel coalition government. This elevation to a minis...

Political views and support

Eric Thill proudly aligns himself with the Democratic Party, emphasizing that it resonates with the values instilled in him throughout his upbringing, values of responsibility, tolerance, solidarity, innovation, forward-thinking, and an early commitment to work. 

Positioned at the center-right in the political spectrum, the DP stands out as a secular party, championing moderate economic liberalism while prioritizing civil liberties, human rights, and internationalism. Notably, the party actively addresses issues affecting minority groups, such as migrants, homosexuals, and single mothers.

Thill's political priorities revolve around advocating for the decentralization of public administrations and businesses, coupled with a fervent promotion of telecommuting. According to him, these measures not only streamline daily life but also enhance overall quality of life. Within the political landscape, Thill's popularity soared during the municipal elections in his hometown, securing the top spot with an impressive 479 votes. While relatively unknown due to his first-time candidacy, the substantial support suggested a voter base eager for change. In the subsequent legislative elections, his commendable 4th place finish in the northern constituency, with 7161 votes, marked a significant achievement. Although he fell short of a parliamentary seat due to limited party representation, his success was noteworthy, considering his youth and recent entry into politics.

Thill's standing in the political sphere received further validation when he was appointed Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism in the Frieden-Bettel coalition government in November 2023. This demonstrates not only his individual merit but also the party's recognition of his capabilities.

Luc Frieden
Prime Minister
Know more
Xavier Bettel
Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Cooperation, Foreign Trade and the Greater Region
Know more

Criticism of the politician

Criticism is an inherent aspect of daily life, particularly in politics, where opposing viewpoints can be magnified due to the significance of decisions and media exposure. In Eric Thill's relatively short political career, any differences of opinion with other stakeholders, individuals, or parties have not garnered substantial attention. This can be attributed to a proactive approach to resolving conflicts through dialogue before they escalate to significant media exposure.

Personal life

In terms of family background, Eric Thill has a political legacy, with his grandfather having also served as an alderman in Schieren. Beyond the political realm, Thill values spending quality time with his family and friends. An enthusiast of social gatherings, he regularly enjoys going out with his friends. Additionally, Thill is an active sports enthusiast, finding enjoyment in activities such as running, cycling, and cyclocross.

Hobbies

Travelling

Travelling

Nature

Nature

Find Eric Thill in social networks:

We took photos from these sources: gouvernement.lu