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Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party in Luxembourg — Lëtzebuerger Sozialistesch Aarbechterpartei (LSAP)
In this article, we delve deeper into the LSAP's structure and representativeness, explore the key figures in its leadership and influential members, examine its current political stance, and trace the roots of the party, enduring legacy within Luxembourg's political arena.
With its roots firmly grounded in social democracy, the LSAP has developed a robust reputation as the party of the working class. This strong working-class identity has significantly contributed to its electoral success, especially in the southern region of Luxembourg, where it exerts considerable influence.
LSAP party at a glance
The Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party, commonly referred to as LSAP, stands as a prominent social-democratic force within Luxembourg's political landscape. LSAP champions a pro-European agenda, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity within the European Union. The party is under the dual leadership of Francine Closener and Dan Biancalana, who guide its strategic direction and policies.
At present, the LSAP holds the distinction of being the second-largest party in the Chamber of Deputies, taking 11 seats in the Chamber. The number of seats a party holds can influence the policy direction and government formation.
11 seats
holds LSAP
21 seats
holds CSV
14 seats
holds DP
This positioning has enabled the LSAP to play a pivotal role in the Bettel government II, with Paulette Lenert, an LSAP prominent member, serving as Deputy Prime Minister.
Political Guide
Structure and representativeness
In 2023, the Luxembourg LSAP counted 4,510 members, thus being the second largest party underscoring its status as a significant political force within Luxembourg. Since March 2022 the party has been under the dual leadership of Francine Closener and Dan Biancalana.
The inner life of a party
At its core, the LSAP operates through a hierarchical framework comprising several committees.
Congress
At the apex of LSAP's decision-making hierarchy is the Congress, the party's highest authority. Here, critical matters concerning the LSAP are decided. Convened by the Executive Committee during the first quarter of each year, the Congress plays a pivotal role in setting the party's course.
Steering Committee
In accordance with the decisions of the National Convention, the Steering Committee formulates policies that govern the political activities of the entire LSAP. Comprising 21 members elected for a two-year term, this committee is a key driver of the party's political agenda.
Executive Committee
Steering the day-to-day political affairs of the LSAP, the Executive Committee is accountable to the Steering one. Currently composed of 5 members, this body ensures the seamless operation of the party's political activities.
Gemengeforum
Within the LSAP, the Gemengeforum stands as a sub-organization that brings together all socialist municipal councilors. This forum focuses on contemporary political issues affecting municipalities, facilitating the exchange of information and ideas among socialist representatives from various communities.
Socialist Women
The Socialist Women (FS) encompass all female LSAP members and serve as an autonomous working community. They promote women's direct and indirect interests, providing training in politics and party-related work. The goal is to increase the representation of women in the party's leadership and electoral lists.
Young Socialists
The Young Socialists (JSL) are committed to supporting organizations dedicated to the fair distribution of wealth. Their activities focus on modern education, peace and environmental preservation, job creation, and representation of youth interests. The JSL plays an important role in representing the younger generation within the party's political agenda.
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Electoral system divides the country into four constituencies. The number of seats allocated to each constituency is proportional to its population
23
seats in the South
21
seats in the Center
9
seats in the North
7
seats in the East
People and influence in the party
Key personnel profiles
Within the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party, numerous individuals hold pivotal positions that shape the party's direction and influence across various domains. The party takes pride in its 6 ministers who represent it in the Luxembourg government.
Leaders of the party
Francine Closener
She served as the Secretary of State for Economy and Foreign Trade from 2013 to 2018, actively participating in various initiatives and policies related to economic development and trade. She is now one of the party's Presidents.
Dan Biancalana
Since 1994, Biancalana has been active in Luxembourg's politics, holding various roles including the president of Socialist Youth in Dudelange and mayor of Dudelange. Currently, he is one of the Presidents of LSAP, focusing on city development and social cohesion
Ministers from the party
Paulette Lenert
Minister of Consumer Protection, Minister of Health and Minister for Social Security
Claude Haagen
Minister of Agriculture, Viticulture and Sustainable Development, Minister of Social Security
Franz Fayot
Minister for the Economy, Cooperation and Humanitarian Action
Georges Engel
Minister for Sport, Minister of Labor, Employment, and the Social Solidarity Economy
Jean Asselborn
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Minister of Immigration and Asylum
Taina Bofferding
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Other key members of the party
Tina Koch
Vice president of the LSAP party
Tom Jungen
Secretary-General of the party
Sacha Pulli
General Treasurer of the party
David Viaggi
President of the Gemengeforum
The LSAP is one of the largest parties in the Chamber of Deputies, behind the CSV. In the 2023 legislative elections, the party secured 18.9% of the popular vote, solidifying its role as a major political force in the country. The party took 11 seats in the last election, thereby losing three seats.
19%
LSAP vote share in 2023
29%
CSV vote share in 2023
19%
DP vote share in 2023
At the European level, the LSAP secured one of Luxembourg's six seats in the European Parliament following the 2019 European elections. This seat is occupied by Marc Angel, who represents the party's interests on the European stage. Earlier this year, he was elected Vice President of the European Parliament.
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
LSAP's current political stance
The party is firmly positioned on the center-left of the political spectrum. As a social-democratic oriented fraction, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party is guided by 4 core values that shape its political agenda and actions within the government: freedom, fairness, solidarity and security.
The party and its cornerstones
In 2013, LSAP left the partnership. After the elections in 2013, LSAP became part of a new government with the Democratic Party and The Greens. Xavier Bettel from the Democratic Party became the Prime Minister, and Etienne Schneider from LSAP was the Deputy Prime Minister before Paulette Lenert.
Party views visualization
The political landscape is rather diverse in Luxembourg. Information source: politpro.eu
LSAP reflects a commitment to social democracy with a focus on fairness, social security, environmental sustainability and education. Its policies aim to meet the diverse needs of Luxembourg's population and create a society that provides opportunities and support for all citizens.
Freedom
The LSAP staunchly upholds the belief that a society without freedom is a state devoid of human dignity. Individuals should have the autonomy to lead their lives as they see fit, as long as their choices align with socially responsible behavior.
Fairness
Party advocates that the wealthiest nations should display solidarity with the less affluent in their quest to establish a livable society. Wealthy Northern Europe should help the economically disadvantaged South, and wealthy industrialized countries should help the developing ones.
Solidarity
Solidarity is the lifeline for the weakest members of society, according to the LSAP. Those in need should be able to rely on social solidarity and receive support.
Security
Party stresses that poverty serves as a breeding ground for terrorism, as societies faced with hunger and despair have limited prospects for peace. At the individual level, however, security is also important. Social solidarity is essential to ensure citizens' security in old age, sickness, unemployment and other situations.
Political program
You can download the LSAP program on their website. We present here a condensed summary of the key aspects of their agenda for the upcoming elections.
Labor and working conditions
The LSAP advocates for a 38-hour workweek and the introduction of a 6-week vacation for the private sector. They emphasize that their values do not align with outdated economic policies that harm the environment or opportunistic liberalism benefiting the privileged. In the LSAP's vision, the economy serves society as a whole, ensuring well-being for everyone, not just those born into prosperity. Party aims to raise the minimum wage by at least 100 euros.
Taxation
The party's program includes a tax reform. The goal is to adjust the tax scale and balance taxation between capital and labor. There are 18 measures proposed to reduce the tax burden on low and middle income earners. Special attention is given to single-parent families, who would receive increased financial support. Young people would benefit from a tax credit of 200 euros during their first five years of employment.
Environment
Recognizing the imperative of an ecological transition, the LSAP underscores the importance of a socially and equitably oriented environmental policy. They emphasize the need to avoid new injustices in the pursuit of environmental goals. To this end, they plan to draft a new environmental protection law with clearer rules and fewer prohibitions.
Housing
The LSAP calls for a significant increase in housing construction efforts, advocating for a substantial number of publicly owned properties. It aims to ensure that 25-30% of rental housing is publicly managed and hence affordable. The party firmly opposes the liberalization of the real estate sector, emphasizing the need for market regulation.
Party representation
The Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party has garnered a strong reputation as a champion of working-class interests. While not formally affiliated, the party maintains close ties with the Independent Trade Union Confederation of Luxembourg (OGB-L), the nation's largest trade union.
Electorate demographics
The party is popular among various important members of the society
Industrial sector
Public sector
Middle class
Mine workers
The LSAP's stronghold lies notably in the southern region, encompassing the Terres Rouges, which represents the country's industrial heartland and historical mining district.
The results of the 2023 municipal elections provide a clear illustration of this influence, with the majority of votes in these southern municipalities cast in favor of the LSAP.  Source: elections.public.lu
This geographical pattern underscores the party's commitment to representing the interests of the working class, particularly within this industrial and mining heartland.
Luxembourg Socialist Workers' party in comparison
| LSAP | DP | CSV | Greens | |
| Environment | Low | Middle | Low | High |
| Electorate | Older | Young | Older | Young |
| Trade unions | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Secularism | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
LSAP office is located in Luxembourg City
- Office location: 68, de Gasperich L-1617 Luxembourg
- Official website: LSAP.lu
- Phone number: (+352) 4 56 57 31
Brief history of the party
The Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party is one of the oldest parties in the country. Since its foundation in 1902, it has been a popular choice among voters and has helped shape the country's modern politics.
Foundation of the LSAP: 1902-1959
- Founded in 1902, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) evolved into its current form, the "Lëtzebuerger Sozialistesch Arbechterpartei," in 1945.
- In 1951, the LSAP entered the Luxembourg government in coalition with the CSV, marking its second government participation (the first being in 1937 as the "Parti social-démocrate"). The LSAP remained in the government as a coalition partner until 1959.
Continued coalition, challenges and return: 1964-1983
Henry Cravatte
Vice Prime Minister of Luxembourg in 1964.
- The LSAP returned to government in 1964, with Henry Cravatte serving as Vice Prime Minister. While the LSAP has never held the position of Prime Minister, it has consistently acted as a coalition partner alongside DP and CSV in most government formations since 1951.
- After losing the 1969 elections, internal debates emerged within the LSAP regarding its future, including whether to engage in coalitions with CSV or the Communist Party at the local level.
- In 1970, internal turmoil led to the departure of party president Henry Cravatte and approximately 15% of members, forming a second Luxembourgish social-democratic party, the "Sozialdemokratesch Partei," which existed until 1983. Henry Cravatte eventually returned to the LSAP.
Ongoing government participation: 1984 to present
Jean Asselborn
Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg since 2004. Deputy Prime Minister from 2004 to 2013.
- Since 1984, except for the period from 1999 to 2004, the LSAP has been part of the Luxembourg government under Prime Ministers Jacques Santer and Jean-Claude Juncker, with Vice Prime Ministers Jacques Poos and Jean Asselborn.
- Starting in 1999, the LSAP has been represented in nearly all municipal councils, except for Kopstal. The party secured 139 seats in 1999 and 165 seats in 2005. After winning a total of 211 seats across 116 Luxembourgish municipalities in 2005, the LSAP placed 16 mayors in the councils of "Proporz-Gemengen" and ten more in other municipalities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where does the LSAP stand on the political spectrum?
The LSAP, or Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party, positions itself on the center-left of the political spectrum in Luxembourg. It embraces social-democratic principles, advocating for a balance between a market economy and social welfare policies. The LSAP's core focus lies in social justice, workers' rights, and policies that promote equality and solidarity.
Who are the current leaders of the LSAP?
As of the most recent information available, Francine Closener and Dan Biancalana serve as the co-presidents of the LSAP. They jointly lead the party, guiding its political direction and strategy.
What are the core values and principles of the LSAP?
The LSAP's core values include freedom, fairness, solidarity, and security. The party emphasizes individual liberties, social equity, support for the vulnerable, and ensuring the well-being and safety of all citizens. These principles underpin the LSAP's policy positions and actions.
Has the LSAP ever held the position of Prime Minister in Luxembourg?
No, the LSAP has never held the position of Prime Minister in Luxembourg. While it has been a prominent coalition partner in numerous governments, it has typically occupied key ministerial positions and played a vital role in shaping policies, but the office of Prime Minister has been held by other political parties.
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Source: lsap.lu, fr.wikipedia.org, zpb.lu, elections.public.lu
We took photos from these sources: LSAP website; Gouvernement.lu, author Yves Kortum; LSAP Facebook official page; Wikimedia
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