Luxembourg set to cut monarchy’s role
December 11, 2008
The Associated Press - December 10, 2008.
LUXEMBOURG - Like other European monarchs, Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri is limited to a ceremonial role but no law can go into effect without his formal assent.
So when he stunned his 480,000 subjects by refusing to give his royal blessing to a euthanasia law adopted by parliament, this tiny country shoehorned between Belgium, Germany and France was thrown into crisis.
On Thursday, the 60-member legislature votes on a constitutional change that strips Henri of his power to “approve” legislation adopted in parliament, limiting him only to announcing or “promulgating” the decisions made by lawmakers.
Euthanasia row sparks constitutional crisis in Luxembourg
December 2, 2008
AFP – December 2, 2008.
LUXEMBOURG - Luxembourg was plunged into a constitutional crisis on Tuesday after the sovereign, Grand Duke Henri, threatened to block a law legalising euthanasia if it is passed by parliament.
The Eritrean Ambassador to the European Union and Belgium, Mr. Girma Asmerom, presented his credentials on October 2 to King Henri of Luxembourg.
