1919 Luxembourg referendum
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| Head of State | ||
|---|---|---|
| Economic union with Belgium or France | ||
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A double referendum took place in
Results
Head of state
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
Grand Duchess Charlotte |
66,811 | 77.8 |
| Republic | 16,885 | 19.7 |
| Retain the dynasty, but replace Charlotte | 1,286 | 1.5 |
| Retain the monarchy, but replace the dynasty | 889 | 1.0 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 5,113 | – |
| Total | 90,984 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 126,193 | 72.1 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
Economic union
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| France | 60,133 | 73.0 |
| Belgium | 22,242 | 27.0 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 8,609 | – |
| Total | 90,984 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 126,193 | 72.1 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
Outcome
Both results were seen as being highly indicative of the country's will, and were acted upon. The result in favour of the monarchy was seen to be a Wilsonian act of self-determination, in opposition to the 'French' republic or the imposition of the Belgian dynasty. By defeating both of these prospects, the referendum result put a clear end to the Allied Powers' discussion of Luxembourg's destiny.[3] The political result was to have settled the national question, left the Grand Duchess as the incarnation of the nation itself, and settled the republican issue once and for all, as although the monarchy still had its detractors, particularly amongst socialists, its importance as a political issue waned considerably.[4] An exception was the city of Esch-sur-Alzette, in which the majority (55%) voted for becoming a republic.[5] In Luxembourg City only 33% voted for a republic.[5]
The economic question was more difficult for the government to implement. Indeed, since 1917, France had promised Belgium free rein (economically) in Luxembourg, and had informally precluded a customs union, but negotiations with the French government proceeded nonetheless, before collapsing in May 1920.
See also
References
- ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
- ^ Nohlen & Stöver, p1252
- ^ ISBN 90-272-4111-2.
- ^ a b The European Powers in the First World War: An Encyclopedia, Spencer Tucker, Laura Matysek Wood, Justin D. Murphy, Taylor & Francis, 1999, page 450
- ^ a b Gilbert Trausch (2003) Histoire du Luxembourg, p240
- ISBN 978-1-134-74826-6.
- ^ Fontana economic history of Europe, Volume 6, Part 1, Carlo M. Cipolla, 1976, page 4
| General elections |
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| Communal elections | |
| European elections | |
| Referendums | |
* Partial elections. | |
