Managing the Transition: What Happens with New Ministers on the Horizon?

13.10.2023

During a government transition, outgoing cabinet ministers can only handle day-to-day affairs. According to the law, as long as new details emerge from another majority, "a resigning government still steers public policy."

The country's constitution "doesn't anticipate a difference between a functioning government and a resigning one... at least in theory!" Current decisions don't actually carry a political dimension, but pertain to the management of public affairs. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, due to his role leading the Democratic Party, is heavily engaged while simultaneously working on forming a coalition with the Christian Social People's Party (CSV).

Sam Tanson, the Minister of Justice from the Green Party, announced last week that he is "managing the final cases in the ministry while preparing for the handover to his successor." His party's defeat in the parliamentary elections meant he wouldn't have a stake in the upcoming executive roles.

In the event of a crisis for the country, the duty of managing it falls on the current government, even as it's in transition. It's not anticipated for the "coach" to be involved in crisis moments, but the functioning government can consult with them in such situations.