Constitutional crisis in Luxembourg over euthanasia

Luxembourg’s parliament is on a collision course with its monarch over his refusal to sign a bill legalising euthanasia.

Grand Duke Henri says he is opposed to a new law adopted by the assembly in February because it is against his conscience.

The government is now moving to alter the constitution to limit Henri’s powers on approving legislation.

One leading parliamentarian said: “There’ll be a modification to the constitution and we’ll go towards a separation of the Grand Duke’s powers as head of state and the legislative process.”

Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy in which the Grand Duke, at the moment, holds executive power and bills only becomes law with his signature.

The law in question would let the incurably ill die if they asked repeatedly to do so and had the consent of two doctors and a panel of experts.

If enacted it would add Luxembourg to a small group of countries allowing euthanasia.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Euthanasia, Luxembourg