Party Presidents

(Esch/Alzette, 16 September 1963)

Luc Frieden spends his childhood in Esch/Alzette until he moves with his parents to Luxembourg City. After his “Première” at the Athenæum, Luc Frieden studies law at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. This is followed by further postgraduate studies, which Luc Frieden completes in Cambridge and Harvard. After his studies, he works as a lawyer and enters parliament at the age of 30 for the CSV. As president of the parliamentary constitutional commission, he contributes to the establishment of the Constitutional and Administrative Courts.

On the occasion of a government reshuffle, Luc Frieden is appointed Minister of Justice and Budget in 1998. Portfolios that he retains after the 1999 elections. He plays a significant role in the smooth introduction of the Euro on 1 January 2002. During the banking crisis in 2008, Luc Frieden is one of the key figures who prevent two systemic Luxembourgish banks from being caught up in the disastrous whirlpool of the Lehman collapse. 

As Minister of Budget and Finance, Luc Frieden ensures that the necessary financial resources for a strong welfare state are available. As Minister of Justice, he significantly helps to create a modern and open Luxembourg with important socio-political reforms. 

Luc Frieden moves to the private sector in 2014. Since 2018, as President of the Chamber of Commerce, he is particularly committed to strengthening the innovative capacity and competitiveness of the Luxembourg economy based on the principles of the Social Market Economy. During the Covid pandemic, Luc Frieden works intensively to navigate the various sectors of the economy and their employees through the crisis as unscathed as possible.

As the national lead candidate, Luc Frieden leads the CSV into the parliamentary elections on 8 October 2023. He coordinates the subsequent coalition negotiations between CSV and DP as the Formateur. On 17 November 2023, Luc Frieden is appointed Prime Minister.

Marc Spautz grew up in Schifflange, where he still lives today. His limited free time is dedicated to his family and friends. Enjoying a pleasant gathering over a good meal and a drink is part of life's quality for Marc. To recharge and gain fresh enthusiasm, Marc takes walks through the forests of Schifflange or immerses himself in interesting reading.

Maintaining contact with citizens and providing feedback to every question is one of Marc Spautz's political priorities.

Marc Spautz is a trained car mechanic but simultaneously oriented and developed in a union-political direction. "A job for everyone" is one of the fundamental rights for which Marc passionately advocates. Since his youth, Marc has been active in the CSV. As a deputy on Krautmaart, he can help shape and implement combined social policies.

On November 14, 2009, Marc Spautz was elected as the new General Secretary of the CSV at the National Congress.

Following the death of Lucien Thiel, Marc Spautz was elected as the new faction president of the CSV on October 11, 2011.

On November 24, 2011, Marc Spautz was sworn in as an alderman of the municipality of Schifflange.

In the context of a government reshuffle, Marc Spautz was nominated by Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker to the government on April 27, 2013. He was assigned departments for family, cooperation, and parliamentary relations.

On April 30, 2013, Marc Spautz was officially sworn in by the Grand Duke.

In the October 2013 elections, Marc Spautz was re-elected as a deputy to the Chamber.

In February 2014, he was elected as the CSV party president.

(Luxembourg, September 13, 1962)

Michel Wolter, who has shaped political work at a high level for over 30 years, understands politics as a service to the people. Creating interconnected thinking is at the heart of the economist: “First observe, analyze, then think, plan, and finally act!” 

From 1981 to 1985, he studied economics at the University of Paris I. In 1984, at the age of 21, Michel Wolter entered “Krautmaart,” where he served as a deputy for ten years. 

In 1995, he took over the office of Minister for Public Service and Administrative Reform. Until 2004, he was also Minister of the Interior with extended competencies in spatial planning, police, and water management. 

After ten years of ministerial responsibility, he moved to Parliament in 2004 at his own request and took over the leadership of the CSV faction. From 2009, he led the destiny of the CSV as party president. 

Michel Wolter is a man for hot issues, by no means shying away from taking on sensitive tasks and making unpopular decisions. He dares reforms and questions old patterns of thinking. His interventions are well-researched, based on detailed analyses, and forward-looking. Political quick fixes are not his style. His political priorities remain finance and economics, spatial planning, as well as domestic and municipal politics. 

Since 2006, he has been a member of the Niederkerschen municipal council, where he took over as mayor in December 2009. After the 2011 municipal elections and the merger of the municipalities of Niederkerschen and Küntzig, he became the mayor of the municipality of Käerjeng; a role he also fulfills with much commitment and passion after the 2017 elections.

(Esch-Alzette, September 28, 1958) 

Studied at Lycée des Garçons in Esch-Alzette, pursued law studies in Paris, and obtained a diploma in international relations from the Institut d’Études politiques (Paris). 

From 1983 to 1994, parliamentary faction secretary of the CSV, succeeding Jean-Claude Juncker. Elected to the city council of Esch-Alzette in 1987, became alderman (financial and social affairs) in 1997. As a deputy (1994-1999), Biltgen was the parliamentary rapporteur for several legislative proposals, particularly in labor law and institutional law. Simultaneously, he published scholarly essays as well as contributions on legal issues intended for the general public. 

Minister since 1999 (Labor and Employment, Worship, Culture, Higher Education, and Research). President of the CSV from 2003 to 2009. As party president, he often emphasized the historical continuity of the party. In 1989, he wrote a brief history of the party. 

From 2009 to 2013, he served as Minister for Justice, Public Administration, Worship, Higher Education and Research, and Communication and Media. 

Since 2013, he has been a judge at the European Court of Justice.

(Dudelange, July 24, 1941) 

At the age of just 18, she becomes a member of the CSV. She studies at the Lycée de Jeunes Filles in Esch-Alzette and at the music academies of Brussels and Paris. She also hosts programs on Radio Luxembourg under the name Colette (1963-1979). From 1966 to 1986, she teaches piano at the capital's conservatory of music. 

No other woman has played such a significant role in the CSV as Erna Hennicot. From 1979 to 1988, she is the chairwoman of the CSF, a deputy from 1979 to 1989, and the President of Parliament from 1989 to 1995. From 1988 to 1995, she is the mayor of the municipality of Walferdange. 

She holds the office of CSV Vice-President before being elected as the first woman president of the party (1995-2003). In 1995, she reaches ministerial honors. Until 2004, she is responsible for the areas of University, Culture, and Public Works. From 2004-2009, she serves as a Member of the European Parliament.

(Redingen/Attert, 9 December 1954) 

He spends his childhood and youth in Beles. After secondary studies at the Catholic school of Clairefontaine (Belgium), he studies law in Strasbourg from 1975 to 1979. 

After the electoral defeat of 1974, the young student becomes a member of the CSV (1975). In 1980, he is sworn in by the Bar Association and thus admitted as a lawyer. However, he never practices this profession. In October 1979, he becomes the parliamentary secretary of the party (until 1982). 

In December 1982, he is appointed by Prime Minister Werner as Secretary of State in the Ministry of Labor. In the first Santer Cabinet (1984), he assumes the responsibilities of the Minister of Labor. In 1989, Juncker also becomes the Minister of Finance. From 1990 to 1995, he is the President of the CSV. He plays a significant role in drafting the Maastricht Treaty (1992). 

After his appointment as Prime Minister in 1995, Juncker dominates the political scene in Luxembourg. Abroad, he enjoys a high reputation not least because of his commitment to European politics and his negotiating skills. From 2005 to 2013, he is the chairman of the Eurogroup. 

After the 2013 elections and the transition of the CSV into the opposition, Jean-Claude Juncker holds the position of faction president of the CSV in the Luxembourg Parliament until his appointment as EU Commission President on November 1, 2014.

(Schifflingen, September 9, 1930) 

Jean Spautz worked as a roller operator at ARBED-Belval. Member of the LCGB since 1949, President of the Catholic Workers' Youth (JOC) (1954-1959), CSV Member of Parliament from 1959-2004, Chairman of the CSJ (1960-1966). In 1966, Spautz played a decisive role in the abolition of compulsory military service, which was unpopular among the youth. 

As National President of the LCGB (1967-1980), he was a preferred interlocutor of employers and the government as well as a staunch opponent of a unified trade union. Member of the government from 1980-1995 (Minister of the Interior, Minister for Family, Social Housing and Social Solidarity), Party President (1982-1990), President of the Chamber of Deputies (1995-2004) and Member of the European Parliament (2004-2009). 

Socially, he was rather progressive, but in socio-political issues, Spautz represented more value-conservative views.

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(Wasserbillig, May 18, 1937) 

After secondary studies at the Athénée, he studied at the Faculty of Law of the universities of Strasbourg and Paris as well as at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris. Santer became involved early on in various Catholic student and youth associations. He is the Secretary General of the JEC and President of the ALUC. After an internship at the law firm of Tony Biever – where, among others, Pierre Werner and Gaston Thorn (DP) were also active – Santer becomes an associate government councilor in the Ministry of Labor. 

In 1965, Jacques Santer becomes a member of the CSV. The following year, at the age of 29, he became the first full-time parliamentary secretary of the CSV. Between 1972 and 1974, he holds the position of Secretary General of the party. After the resignation of Family Minister Madeleine Frieden (1972), Santer joins the government as Secretary of State (with responsibilities for Culture, Labor, and Social Affairs). After the electoral defeat of 1974, he takes on the role of National President of the CSV. Following the electoral victory of 1979, he is appointed Minister of Finance and Minister of Labor and Social Security (1979-1984). After the departure of Pierre Werner, Jacques Santer becomes head of government (1984). 

Upon leaving national politics, he becomes President of the European Commission (1995-1999). From 1999 to 2004, Santer is once again a Member of the European Parliament.

(Luxembourg, November 25, 1927 – Luxembourg, January 6, 2004) 

Mosar studied law in Paris. Between 1962 and 1963, he presided over the "Conférence du Jeune Barreau de Luxembourg". 

From 1959 to 1984, he was a member of the city council. Between 1970 and 1975, he even served as a councilor of the municipality. At the age of 35, he was elected to parliament for the first time in 1969. He remained a member of parliament until 1984, except between 1974 and 1976. From 1980 to 1984, he served as Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies. 

Additionally, he was the Secretary-General of the CSV from 1959 to 1972 and President of the party from 1972 to 1974. From 1979 to 1984, he was the President of the parliamentary group. 

After 1985, he became Luxembourg's member of the Commission of the European Community. He took on the position of Energy Commissioner under Delors. From 1989 to 1992, he served as Luxembourg's ambassador to Rome, Italy.

(Luxembourg, May 18, 1922 – Luxembourg, December 6, 2007) 

After his studies at the Athénée, the eighteen-year-old joined the government led by his father into political exile (Canada and England) in 1940 and served in the Luxembourg army in England (1943-1945). 

After the war, he studied law in Lausanne and Paris. He later worked as a lawyer. After the sudden death of his father (1953), he was immediately elected to the chamber in the southern district (Member of Parliament 1959-1967 and 1974-1979), party president (1964-1969), minister (1967-1974), member of the Council of State (1979-1994, finally as president). 

As Minister of Labor and Education, Dupong implemented major reforms (e.g., minimum wage, co-management in companies, modernization of education, coeducation, lay moral education, etc.). 

In the party, he belonged to the progressive wing that was open to social development.

(Luxembourg, April 8, 1908 – Luxembourg, April 19, 1990) 

Gymnasium studies at the Athénée, law studies in Montpellier and Paris. Opened a renowned law firm in Luxembourg, where, among others, three future Prime Ministers (Pierre Werner, Gaston Thorn, and Jacques Santer) were trained. 

In 1936, secretary of the right-wing party for the central district, 1937 member of parliament. As a "Young Turk," he advocated for a renewal of the party and demanded "a democratic structure." Member of parliament from 1937 to 1974, with the exception of the war years (1940-1944), during which he was forcibly conscripted by the Gauleiter to Germany (e.g., road construction work). 

Secretary of the CSV parliamentary group (1945-1956), parliamentary group president (1959-1974), and party president (1964-1965). By nature, but also out of love for law, he preferred to operate in the background. In 1959, due to "personal reasons," he did not seek the post of Prime Minister and thus paved the way for Pierre Werner. He was, during the years 1960-1970, the party man known as the "grey eminence" whom Werner gladly sought for advice.

(Bofferdingen, August 2, 1874 – Luxembourg, February 14, 1973) 

Secondary school studies at the Athénée, law studies in Strasbourg, Nancy, and Paris, lawyer, co-founder of the Luxembourg Catholic People's Association (1903), of which he was president from 1903 to 1918 and then again from 1926 to 1940. 

Co-founder of the Right Party (1914), deputy 1910-1915, 1916-1918, 1925-1940, and 1945-1959, also president of the Chamber from 1926 to 1959. State Minister 1918-1925. 

In the critical post-war years of 1918-1919, he contributed greatly to maintaining Luxembourg's independence through his wisely maneuvering diplomacy. Emile Reuter was universally esteemed for his correct demeanor, even by political opponents. During the years 1914-1918, he was the actual leading figure of the Right Party. 

After 1926, he was no longer at the levers of power but maintained influence as a great person of respect within the party. As party president (1945-1964), he was rather reserved.