A 2006 debate was reignited yesterday with the opening of a petition requesting a referendum to change the Luxembourgish national flag.
The petition N°523,was first submitted to the Chamber of Deputies on 7 July 2015 by member of the public Marc Dax, with electronic signatures for the petition made available yesterday, Thursday 30 July 2015. In the petition, Mr. Dax proposed a referendum which, if voted in favour, would culminate in the current 'rout, Waiß, blo' (red, white, blue) flag being altered to incorporate the 'Roude Léiw' (Red Lion).
The Roude Léiw, set against a backdrop of ten white and blue stripes, is currently emblazoned on the civil flag and ensign of the country. The flag is used for maritime shipping and aviation, as well as in supportive measures during sporting events such as the Tour de France. The national flag, on the other hand, consists of three horizontal stripes of red, white and blue and has been used as an official symbol for the Grand Duchy since June 1972. However, its colours and design bear a strong resemblance to those of the Netherlands' national flag, with the standard ratio and shade of blue acting as the main distinguishing factors between the two.
It was for this reason that a legislative proposition to replace the current national flag with the lion insignia was first put forward by MP Michel Wolter on 5 October 2006. According to Wolter, the Roude Léiw was more popular, more historically valuable and more aesthetically pleasing than its red-white-blue counterpart.
The more recent petition has been conflictingly cited as both an important aspect in representating the multiculturalism of Luxembourg in the modern world, and as a challenge to the history, culture and traditional national identity of the country.
The petition has received 67 signatures since it was opened yesterday.
Top Photo by Abaca (Grand Duke and Duchess). Bottom photo by Sarah Graham
