Gilles Roth

Gilles Roth, born in 1967, is a distinguished Luxembourgish politician affiliated with the Christian Social People's Party (CSV). His academic journey led him to pursue law studies at the University Center in Luxembourg and later at the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve in Belgium.

Initially establishing himself as a jurist, Roth's career trajectory took a notable turn when, from 1998 to 2007, he served as the Chief Government Counsel at the Ministry of Finance. Simultaneously, he assumed the role of mayor of Mamer in 2000. Transitioning into parliamentary roles, Roth was elected as a deputy in 2007, subsequently securing re-election in 2009, 2013, and 2018.

Throughout his tenure, he held key positions, including vice-president and president of the CSV parliamentary group. Culminating in his appointment as Minister of Finance in late 2023, Roth's political journey is marked by a diverse and impactful trajectory.

Achievements

Gilles Roth has left an indelible mark on the Luxembourgish nation through his multifaceted contributions, notably as the mayor of the municipality of Mamer. Over his 23 years of dedicated service, Roth's exemplary leadership has been underscored by numerous achievements, exemplified by his repeated re-elections.

One particular accolade worth mentioning is the commendation received in 2021 when Taina Bofferding lauded the commune of Mamer for its commitment to gender equality, awarding it the prestigious Equality Prize 2021. In conferring this honor, Taina Bofferding acknowledged the voluntary initiatives of the commune of Mamer, praising the determination of its political leaders to enhance the well-being of the population, with a specific emphasis on promoting gender equality from an early age.

As a deputy in the Chamber, Gilles Roth actively participated in various committees, showcasing his commitment to shaping impactful policies. While many of the projects he engaged in were of significant magnitude and involved multiple stakeholders, making it challenging to attribute specific achievements solely to him, a glimpse into the diverse committees he participated in provides insight into the areas of collaboration.

Professional activities and relationships

Political views and support

Gilles Roth's political journey, rooted in his early role as mayor of Mamer, has consistently prioritized the enhancement of residents' quality of life. At the national level, Roth advocates for tax relief for the middle class, emphasizing the belief that work should be financially rewarding and contribute to social cohesion. His vision revolves around achieving a balance between fair taxation and competitiveness, ensuring that the average consumer has confidence in the justice system.

Gilles Roth is also a strong supporter of an open society and he demonstrated his commitment by proposing legislation for the general prohibition of the burka. 

These convictions align with the values and ideals of his party, the Christian Social People's Party, situated in the center-right of the political spectrum. CSV, rooted in social Christian orientation, emphasizes values such as solidarity, freedom, peace, equity, family, and subsidiarity. Despite being guided by Christian values, CSV asserts itself as a non-confessional party.

The party advocates for a social market economy, wherein state intervention ensures fair competition, good working conditions, social welfare, family well-being, and low unemployment while maintaining a high economic growth rate. Generally considered conservative on cultural, social, and moral issues, CSV's comprehensive approach resonates with Roth's political stance.

Roth's popularity has been evident through consistent electoral successes. Re-elected as mayor of Mamer for 23 years, his national political career as a deputy in the Chamber since 2007 has also seen repeated electoral victories. Notably, he secured 31,451 votes in 2023, culminating in his election as Minister of Finance. This trajectory underscores not only his popularity among voters but also within the political sphere, where his transition to a ministerial role further cements his influential standing

Martine Deprez

Minister of Health and Social Security

Know more

Luc Frieden

Prime Minister, 

Know more

Criticism of the politician

Despite Gilles Roth's notable political career, he has not been immune to criticism. In the spotlight during 2013 and 2014, Roth faced allegations of a conflict of interest. Accusations suggested he may have exploited his influence to alter the Municipal Land Use Plan (PAG) in his favor, leading to the classification of a field adjacent to his property as a green zone, rendering it non-constructible.

These actions drew severe criticism, particularly from the Green Party, who went so far as to demand Roth's resignation as mayor. The Minister of the Interior further accused Roth of threatening a government official, asserting that Roth had applied pressure through a phone call, hinting at "personal consequences" if the state did not support the municipality in the PAG matter. These controversies, though occurring in the past, remain noteworthy aspects of Roth's political history.

Personal life

Gilles Roth, a devoted family man, is married and cherishes his limited leisure time with his family, including his adult daughter. Beyond his political commitments, Roth finds passion in sports, dedicating several sessions each week to training at a fitness facility. This commitment to both family and personal well-being reflects a well-rounded aspect of his life outside the political arena.

Hobbies

Sports

Family

Find Gilles Roth in social networks:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn