Christian Social People's Party in Luxemburg — Chrëschtlech Sozial Vollekspartei (CSV)

In the legislative arena, CSV currently holds 21 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 2 seats in the European Parliament, making it a major party. The number of seats a party holds can influence the policy direction and government formation.

Although the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) has been the most prominent party since its inception, it found itself in opposition to the government in 2013 for the second time in its history. The year 2018 was particularly challenging, as it marked the lowest level of public support for the party since its establishment. However, despite these setbacks, the CSV continues to be the favored party in Luxembourg, garnering reassuring public support.

Elections

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Political Guide

The inner life of a party

Central to the party's decision-making process is the National Congress which meets once a year and serves as the supreme governing body of the CSV party in Luxembourg. Comprising all party members, the Congress plays a pivotal role in defining the party's political strategies and overarching goals. During their meetings, key party positions are elected, ensuring a democratic representation of the membership. The operations and procedures of the party are governed by its statutes.

National level

Congress

The CSV National Congress, convening annually with over 800 members, is the party's central decision-making body. It encompasses national and local delegates, setting the party's core policies and reviewing key resolutions. This body elects major roles like the party president and general secretary in confidential votes. While it evaluates reports from various sectors, especially the General Secretariat and party finances, ultimate decisions on post-election strategies and any statute changes are reserved for this Congress.

Convention

For critical decisions regarding the national leader candidate or the selection of lists for parliamentary elections, the party has the option to summon a national convention with all delegates, from both district and national levels, totaling approximately 1,800 members.

Council

The National Council of the CSV, which convenes at least twice a year, serves as a supervisory and consultative arm of the party, comprised of approximately 160 members. These members represent a cross-section of the party, spanning the National Committee, District Committees, deputies, and various sub-organizations.

Committee

The CSV National Committee oversees daily political decisions, meeting at least every six weeks. It defines the party's policy, drawing from its principles and decisions from the National Congress and Council. They manage daily administrative tasks, with updates from the executive team, approve district-proposed electoral lists, and select candidates for the European list. It comprises district committee presidents, sub-organization heads, CSV faction representatives, European Parliament members, and eight national delegates elected during the congress.

Regional level

Constituencies

The CSV has four districts that serve as a bridge between the grassroots local party structures and the national committee. Those who sit on the district committee include representatives from grassroots organizations, as well as deputies and ministers from that district.

District presidents

The district presidents include Vincent Reding from the center, Jeff Boonen from the north, Jean-Marie Wirth from the south, and Max Hengel from the east. During the district congress, district delegates select an additional 12 members to join the district committee.

Municipal level

Within the party, several grassroots sections operate, each tailored to address unique challenges. These sub-organizations delve into various municipal topics, spanning from political to non-political concerns.

Sub-organizations

Young people in the CSV

Women in the CSV

Seniors in the CSV

CSV International

Electoral system divides the country into four constituencies. The number of seats allocated to each constituency is proportional to its population

Key personnel profiles

The Christian Social People's Party boasts a diverse array of skilled and seasoned members, each bringing their distinct perspectives and insights to the collective.

Leaders of the party

Claude Wiseler

The current leader of The Christian Social People's Party (CSV), was decisively elected as the party president in 2021, securing 400 out of 475 votes during the party’s national congress. His political journey began in 1995 when he took on the role of general secretary for the CSV. Over the years, Wiseler's commitment to public service has been evident through a series of distinguished accomplishments.

Elisabeth Margue

She was appointed as the co-president of The Christian Social People's Party (CSV) in March 2022, sharing the leadership role with Claude Wiseler. With a robust legal foundation, Margue has been deeply involved in the political scene. Her association with CSV dates back to 2007. Her leadership potential was evident early on as she took the helm of the Christian Social Youth, serving as its president from February 2016 to December 2018. Her dedication and active participation in the party's activities culminated in her election as a deputy in parliament in October 2022.

Christophe Hansen

He holds the position of Secretary General for the Christian Social People's Party (CSV). His introduction to the political realm came in 2007, serving as a political advisor to Astrid Lulling, a role he held until 2014. His dedication to public service saw him elected as a municipal councilor for Winseler in 2011. Hansen represented the European People's Party in the European Parliament since 2018. Between 2018 and 2021, he also presided over the CSV in the northern district.

Luc Frieden

The leading candidate for the 2023 elections, boasts an impressive political resume. After earning his degree from Harvard Law, Frieden embarked on his political journey in 1994 with his election to parliament. He played a pivotal role in spearheading the establishment of a constitutional court and independent administrative courts in Luxembourg. He's also acclaimed for successfully overseeing the transition from the Luxembourgish franc to the euro.

Other key members of the party

Serge Wilmes

Member of the Chamber of Deputies, President CSV Section Stad Luxembourg

Maurice Bauer

Secretary general of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, President CSV Limpertsberg, President "Fondation Maison de la Porte Ouverte“

Laurent Mosar

Member of the Chamber of Deputies, Barrister

Isabel Wiseler-Santos Lima

Deputy of the European Parliament from the CSV party

The CSV is the largest party in the Chamber of Deputies, though it did not get a place in the current coalition government. In the 2018 legislative elections, the party secured 28.3% of the popular vote, solidifying its role as a major political force in the country. In 2023, during General Elections CSV got the majority of votes, 1,099,536 people have voted for them. That corresponds to the 29.22% of all the votes. They have kept their 21 seats at the Chamber.

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There are 705 seats in the European Parliament.

In the 2019 European elections, CSV secured two out of six seats in the European Parliament, which is held by Christophe Hansen and Isabel Wiseler-Santos Lima, representing the party's interests at the European level. These seats are divided among member countries based on their population size.

6 seats

are granted to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in the European Parliament

96 seats

are held by Germany, the most populous EU state, and the neighbor of the GDL

The CSV are holding 2 seats in the European Parliament. These seats means they have a say in the decisions made at the European level. This seat not only allows them to influence laws and policies that affect Luxembourg but also those that impact the wider European community.

The party and its cornerstones

Party views visualization

The political landscape is rather diverse in Luxembourg. Source of the data: politpro.eu

The CSV consider several priorities in their electoral program

Fair taxation

Less taxes and more adjustments to the system, no inheritance or wealth taxes.

Security of freedom

More police presence, 700 additional officers, security cameras in critical public spaces.

Modern education

More practical useful skills, than pure knowlege transfer, enhancing secondary education.

Political program

The Christian Social People's Party (CSV) has a diverse set of policy proposals aimed at enhancing the living standards of Luxembourg's residents. Their agenda includes tax reductions, better work-life balance for parents, and advocating for increased housing construction in Luxembourg.

Viewership of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) political program can be accessed at their official website. Below, you will find a summary of the most intriguing policies and how they're explained by the party.

Increased purchasing power

Supporting families

Tax reductions for young professionals

Affordable housing

Healthcare access

Electorate demographics

The Christian Social People's Party (CSV) in Luxembourg has traditionally drawn its support from a variety of demographic groups due to its long-standing role in the country's political landscape. Historically, the CSV has been one of the dominant parties in Luxembourg.

The party is popular among various members of the society

Religious voters

Suburban electorate

Older generations

Traditionalists

The birth of the party and first electoral victory: 1914-1945

• The Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) has historical roots dating back to the establishment of the Party of the Right on January 16, 1914. Its evolution into the CSV, as it is known today, occurred in 1944. 
• In the first elections following the Second World War, the CSV secured 25 of the 51 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, narrowly missing an absolute majority by just one seat.

Rise in governmental collaboration: 1945-1974

• From 1945 to 1974, the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) was a mainstay in the government, predominantly in collaboration with the Democratic Party (DP). This era was characterized by consistent economic growth and social stability.
• In the 1950s, the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) took steps towards democratization by integrating both the Youth and the Women's sections into the party structure.

First time opposition to the government: 1974-1995

Jacques Santer

CSV party politician, Former Prime Minister of Luxembourg, President of the European Commission in 1995-1999

• In 1974, the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) faced opposition for the first time, as the Democratic Party formed a coalition with the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party. 
• A decade later, in 1984, Jacques Santer rose to the role of Prime Minister and facilitated a coalition between the CSV and the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), which was then the second-largest party in the legislature. This partnership endured until the culmination of his leadership in 1995. 
• Subsequently, in 1995, Jean-Claude Juncker succeeded Jacques Santer as Prime Minister, while Santer advanced to the position of President of the European Commission.

Bettel government and current support of CSV: 2013 to now

• After the 2013 elections, the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) moved to the opposition, marking only the second instance in its history. The Democratic Party's Xavier Bettel assumed the role of Prime Minister, forming a coalition with the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party and the Greens. This event was significant as it represented the first-ever three-party coalition in Luxembourg's history.
• While remaining the biggest political party in Luxembourg, 2018 marked the lowest point in CSV’s public support.
• Even with limited public backing, the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) maintains a notable presence in political assemblies. They hold 21 of the 60 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 2 of the 6 Luxembourg seats in the European Parliament.