Can immigrants in Luxembourg vote at the 7 June elections?
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Ellie BanksAlmost half the population living in Luxembourg are immigrants. ‘Multi-Culti’ is the motto of the capital, where two thirds of these foreigners have found a new home. Statistics predict that by 2015 the Grand Duchy will number more immigrant citizens than native.
Immigrants who have had a fixed residence in Luxembourg for 5 years are allowed to vote in local elections, but in the parliamentary election on 7 June, they will not have a voice. Do you think immigrants in Luxembourg should be allowed to take part in general elections as well? The answer in pictures
Timon, 24, Luxembourger
Yes, because Luxembourgers only ever elect conservative parties, which means nothing can change. Also they prevent immigrants entering the civil service and taking home a ‘golden hello’ of 3, 000 euros (£2, 660). That is not fair
Dan, 23, Luxembourger
Of course, we should do everything we can to integrate immigrants better. Once they have to form their own political opinion, they should automatically integrate themselves better
Emilie, 20, French
It would be a good thing, immigrants would get more involved. But they should have to live in the country for a certain length of time first, so they understand how it works
Clif, 25, Luxembourger
Immigrants should be allowed to vote but not to be elected. Otherwise the Luxembourgers would have nothing left to say, if they really do soon become the minority in their own country
Philip, 27, Swede
No, if everyone could vote, there would be too many voters who feel unrepresented
Dharamveer, 26, Indian
No, unless immigrants could also stand for election. But they would have to live in the country for at least ten years to do that, so they could really integrate in the society. That’s just not possible in only two or three years
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Translated from Wahlheimat Luxemburg - Ausländer an die Wahlurnen?