Léon Gloden (Minister of Home Affairs): Responding to Urgency, Reforming for Tomorrow
Léon Gloden, Minister of Home Affairs, outlines his strategy in the face of key challenges such as security, migration, and the digital transformation of Luxembourg’s municipalities. He emphasizes the importance of coordinated human-centred public policy.
How do you balance the complexity of your role with urgent priorities like security?
Each morning begins with a constant shift between the four areas of my ministry. At eight o’clock, I am already handling immigration issues; fifteen minutes later, a municipal file lands on my desk. This extreme versatility is what makes my role unique, but also complex. My responsibilities include municipalities, internal security, migration, asylum, and even intelligence services, in cooperation with the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Economy. I oversee urban development plans, building permits, and the streamlining of administrative procedures, while implementing an asylum policy that is both responsible and aligned with the laws passed in Parliament. Yes, the workload is heavy. But the real challenge lies in maintaining a clear vision while ensuring that each task receives proper follow-up. This is not about accumulating responsibilities for the sake of it, it is a reflection of a Luxembourg that has outgrown its traditional structures. Instead of breaking everything apart, I focus on better organisation, leaning on digital tools without losing the human touch, which remains crucial, especially in asylum decisions. True transformation comes through balance: streamlining without dehumanising.
©SIP/ Claude Piscitelli
“True transformation comes through balance: streamlining without dehumanising.”
What concrete steps are you taking to address insecurity in neighbourhoods like Gare or Bonnevoie?
I hear the concerns of residents. Some share their experiences and fears with me directly, particularly regarding drug trafficking. But the police cannot act alone. They are neither doctors nor social workers. Their mission is to uphold public order and peace. That is why, together with the Prime Minister, I have brought all key stakeholders to the table: health services, family affairs, justice, local authorities, and ministries. This new form of collaboration moves us away from silo thinking. The “Drogendësch 2.0” plan, presented in June, reflects this approach. It includes a stronger police presence, 24/7 police stations, dedicated residential buildings in high-risk areas, and a more active role for magistrates. The judiciary is now more assertive, applying laws that had often been underused. Meanwhile, social services must offer pathways out of addiction for people trapped in cycles of personal distress. The Gare district cannot become a testing ground for marginalisation. A coordinated strategy can bring real results, if every actor fulfils their role and we keep engaging with local communities.
Can public policy effectiveness, especially in security, be better measured?
I do not reject data culture. But it should not become an end in itself. The goal is not to turn police stations into statistical bureaus. What matters most is visible policing, responsiveness to crime, and collaboration with judges and social stakeholders. That said, we have begun releasing more information. For instance, police reports now also highlight positive outcomes. Arresting a thief or dismantling a network, people should hear about it. This kind of communication showcases the efforts of law enforcement and reassures the public. I have also pushed for better information flow toward municipalities. As a former mayor of Grevenmacher, I know how frustrating it is to hear about an incident from the press. Now, mayors receive direct updates from the police. And soon, a modern law will replace the decrees from 1789 regarding their powers. The aim is effective, connected, and accountable local governance. Transparency must not slow down action—it should build trust.
This article is anabridged versionof the interview between Léon Gloden and Jérôme Bloch,watch the fullversion here: https://youtu.be/08FodUdhBgQ?si=zQo3OfeUIOvsZSf3