Léon Gloden plans to tackle drug addiction in Luxembourg

In an interview for Virgule Luxembourg's Interior Minister Léon Gloden answered questions about the tough migration policy, conditions for asylum seekers, the fight against illegal immigration and crime, and controls at the border with Germany.

Gloden was responding to criticism from Marianne Donven, a former official who resigned over disagreement with government policy:

The minister emphasised that illegal immigrants who have been refused asylum should leave the country. For this purpose, a "House of Voluntary Return" has been created, where 50-70 people (out of 170 places) are now staying. Here people can prepare to leave, they are offered financial and psychological support.

If migrants refused to leave, they were placed in a detention centre before deportation.

Gloden also commented on the case of an evicted family with two children, noting that they had known their status for several years and should have found a solution in advance.

The Minister confirmed that Luxembourg is opposed to German border checks, which cause 55,000 German border workers to lose up to 2 hours in traffic jams every day.

Gloden acknowledged that the drug and crime situation remains acute in the station area (Gare).

• From May-June 2025, the police station in the Gare area will be open 24/7.
• An 'anti-drug strategy' is being developed involving the police, MoJ and MoH.
• Social patrols will be set up so that people can use drugs in a safe environment.
• The possibility of tougher sanctions against drug traffickers is being discussed.

Luxembourg is also in talks with France to fight cross-border crime.

Leon Gloden confirmed that the authorities will draft a bill allowing automatic licence plate recognition on highways, simplify the installation of video cameras and increase the period of their use from 3 to 5 years.

Work is also underway to tighten measures against aggressive begging.