Since the end of World War II, the Christian Social Party (CSV) has usually been the dominant partner in governing coalitions. The Roman Catholic-oriented CSV resembles Christian Democratic parties in other west European countries and enjoys broad popular support. The LSAP (Socialist Party) regained its standing as junior coalition partner to the CSV in national elections held in June 2004.

The Socialist Party (LSAP) is a center-left party similar to most social-democratic parties in Europe. Initially founded by a worker’s movement and a main defender of universal suffrage in 1919, the LSAP defends state intervention in the economy and the sustainability of the welfare system. Part of the government between 1984-1999, the LSAP includes divergent movements in its ranks and is currently dominated by politicians originally from the trade union movement. While in the opposition, the LSAP voiced considerable criticism against the war in Iraq.

The Democratic Party (DP) is a center party, drawing support from the professions, merchants, and urban middle class. Like other west European liberal parties, it advocates both social legislation and minimum government involvement in the economy. It also is strongly pro-NATO. In the opposition from 1984 to 1999, the DP had been a junior partner in the previous coalition governments.

The Green Party has received growing support since it was officially formed in 1983. It opposes both nuclear weapons and nuclear power and supports environmental and ecological preservation measures. This party generally opposes Luxembourg’s military policies, including its membership in NATO, but has shown some openness to peacekeeping missions.

National elections are held at least every 5 years and municipal elections every 6 years. In the June 2004 parliamentary elections, the CSV won 24 seats, the DP 10, the LSAP 14, the ADR (a single-issue party that emerged from the LSAP focused on pension rights) 5, and the “Greens” 7. Hence, the DP ceded their junior coalition position back to the LSAP, which had been the junior coalition member from 1984-1999. Jean-Claude Juncker (CSV) has remained for a third 5-year term as Prime Minister. In July 2004, Prime Minister Juncker announced the new government and appointed Jean Asselborn (LSAP) as the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.