Xavier Bettel
In this article, we delve into the life and career of Xavier Bettel, exploring his biography, shedding light on the key milestones that have shaped his path in Luxembourgish politics.
DP
GOVERNMENT MEMBER
Ideology
Democratic liberalism
Active since
1989
Main focus
Pro-European, LGBTQ+ Advocate, Social Progressive
Xavier Bettel, born on March 3, 1973, is a distinguished Luxembourgish lawyer and seasoned politician. His journey into the world of politics began at a remarkably young age when he joined the Democratic Party (DP) in 1989, demonstrating an early interest in public affairs. A remarkable leader, Bettel assumed the presidency of the DP's youth organization from 1994 to 2002. He secured his first parliamentary seat in 1999.
In 2013, Xavier Bettel took the role of Prime Minister of Luxembourg, becoming a pivotal figure in the country's political landscape. Before that he served as a dedicated member of the Chamber of Deputies from 1999 to 2013 and even held the position of Mayor of Luxembourg City from 2011 to 2013.
Biography
Xavier Bettel, born on March 3, 1973, in Luxembourg City, embarked on an impressive academic journey. After completing his secondary education at Lycée Hélène Boucher in Thionville, he earned a degree in public and European Law, coupled with a DEA in Political Science and Public Law, from University in Nancy, France.
His commitment to knowledge extended beyond borders, as he delved into maritime law and canon law during his time at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece, a journey facilitated by the Erasmus Program.
In recognition of his contributions and expertise, Xavier Bettel was honored with an esteemed honorary doctorate from Sacred Heart University Luxembourg in 2017. This illustrious educational background lays the foundation for his remarkable career in law and politics, shaping him into the accomplished figure he is today.
Speech by Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, 19 April 2023 'This is Europe' debate in the European Parliament
Achievements
During his tenure, Xavier Bettel's leadership was marked by a series of notable achievements and groundbreaking reforms that left a profound impact on Luxembourg.
Marriage and Adoption Equality
Abortion Laws Reform
Church and State Separation
Digitalization
Free Public Transport
Interviews
Interview by Xavier Bettel with Martina Folscheid: "It is important to me to increase purchasing power"
Interview with Xavier Bettel in der Neue Luzerner Zeitung "We're not in a war frenzy, I don't think."
Professional activities and relationships
Xavier Bettel's enduring presence in Luxembourg's political landscape highlights his resilience and commitment to serving his nation in various capacities, leaving an indelible mark on the country's political history. Xavier Bettel's political journey is a testament to his dedication and leadership within Luxembourg's political landscape.
Municipal Politics
In 1999, Xavier Bettel marked his entry into politics by securing a seat on Luxembourg City's communal council. His rise in municipal politics continued in the 2005 elections when he claimed the fourth position on the DP list, subsequently being appointed alderman in the council of Luxembourg City.
However, it was in the wake of the 2011 municipal elections that Bettel achieved a significant milestone when he was sworn in as the Mayor of Luxembourg on November 24, 2011. This pivotal role led to his resignation from his position as DP leader in the Chamber of Deputies, a position he had held since 2009.
National Politics
Xavier Bettel's influence extended to the national stage, as he ran for the Chamber of Deputies in the 1999 general election, securing his place in the legislative body. Over the years, he solidified his position within the DP and the Chamber of Deputies. By the 2004 general election, Bettel had risen to prominence, finishing fourth among the DP candidates. This assured him a seat in the Chamber of Deputies, a position he was re-elected to in 2009 and 2013.
During his tenure in Parliament, Bettel assumed various vital roles, including vice-chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee from 2004 to 2013 and vice-chairman of the Committee of Inquiry into the State Intelligence Service from 2012 to 2013. From 2009 to 2011, he held the role of chairman of the DP parliamentary group.
Prime Minister – First term
In 2013, Xavier Bettel ascended to the leadership of the Democratic Party, a position he held until 2015. His leadership ushered the party into the 2013 general election, where they secured a third-ranked position in parliamentary seats. Subsequently, Grand Duke Henri appointed Bettel as the “formateur”, or instructor for the next government.
On December 4, 2013, at the age of 40, Xavier Bettel assumed the role of Luxembourg Prime Minister. Leading a coalition government comprising the Democratic Party (DP), Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), and The Greens, Bettel took the key ministerial positions, including Minister of State, Minister for Communications and the Media, Minister for Culture, and Minister for Religious Affairs.
Prime Minister – Second term
Despite a slight setback for his party in the October 2018 elections, Xavier Bettel retained enough political clout to secure another five-year term as Prime Minister. In his second term, he continued to lead the government alongside co-Deputy Prime Ministers Françoi...
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Vice Prime Minister
After the October 2023 elections, Xavier Bettel took a seat of Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Cooperation, Foreign Trade and the Greater Region
Political views and support
Xavier Bettel's unwavering affiliation with the Democratic Party (DP) since 1989 underscores his alignment with the party's core values and principles.
At its core, the DP supports civil liberties, human rights, and international connections. The party distinguishes itself by advocating for marginalized groups, such as migrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and single parents.
The DP's commitment to the principles of globalism is a defining characteristic, emphasizing the European Union and the promotion of human rights worldwide. It staunchly supports European integration and places substantial importance on the United Nations.
Criticism of the politician
Like any prominent political figure, Xavier Bettel has not been immune to criticism during his career.
This occurred when Bettel scheduled a joint remote press conference amid hostile protests during Johnson's visit to Luxembourg. Bettel refused to move the demonstrators to a quieter location, prompting Johnson to leave the scene. Bettel then conducted the press conference solo, openly criticizing the UK's Brexit decision in front of cheering protesters.
Reportedly, 96% of his work, focusing on potential reforms to the European election voting system, was directly copied from original publications. Responding to these accusations, Bettel claimed to have written the thesis "in all conscience" but admitted that he could have handled it differently. Following the university's determination that his work indeed resembled plagiarism, Bettel voluntarily renounced his degree in early February 2022.
Xavier Bettel's response to this serious allegation drew criticism. Rather than offering a substantive reply, he compared Aubry's remarks to those of Marine Le Pen, a far-right politician. Tax Justice Lëtzebuerg, a collective advocating for tax justice, condemned this response as a "scandalous outburst" and demanded public apologies from Bettel.
Personal life
Born into a family with a diverse cultural background, Xavier Bettel's father, Claude Bettel, was a wine merchant. Xavier himself proudly acknowledges his multifaceted ancestry, with an Orthodox Russian grandfather and a Polish-Jewish grandfather, while his parents adhered to the Catholic faith. His mother, Aniela, has an illustrious connection to the world of music as a grandniece of the renowned Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Partnership and marriage
Xavier Bettel shares his life with Gauthier Destenay, a Belgian architect, who often accompanies him to official events. Their journey took a significant step forward in 2010 when they entered into a legal partnership. With the legalization of same-sex marriage in Lu...
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In a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel came out as openly gay in 2008. His coming out was a poignant reflection of the evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in Luxembourg, where people increasingly embraced diversity and did not judge others based on their sexual orientation. Bettel is the first openly gay Prime Minister of Luxembourg and the third openly gay head of government worldwide.
Hobbies
Sells greenery
Be cool
Find Xavier Bettel in social networks:
We took photos from these sources: Gouvernement.lu, Copyright: SIP / Yves Kortum