Flag of Luxembourg - Flag Discussion

Flag Discussion

On October 5, 2006, MP Michel Wolter introduced a legislative proposition to replace the current red-white-blue national flag with the red lion ensign. He argued that the current flag was commonly confused with that of the Netherlands and that the red lion on the other hand was more popular, more aesthetic and of greater historic value. Wolter also claimed he had personally discussed the matter with some three hundred people, most of whom expressed their support for his initiative.

On the other hand, many national politicians (including leading members of Wolter's own CSV) and VIPs have expressed astonishment in the local media concerning both the timing and necessity for such a change. The only political party to express support for Wolter's initiative was the nationalist and populist ADR. On October 24, 2006 a local initiative called Initiativ Roude Léiw (Initiative Red Lion) held a press conference explaining their intention to support Wolter's project on a non-partisan basis. Their first actions would include distribution of red lion bumper stickers, a petition and a poll. During sporting events like the Tour de France supporters for Luxembourg participants now overwhelmingly use the Ensign instead of the Flag.

The neighbouring Belgian province of Luxembourg uses a coat of arms similar to the red lion flag on its own flag. The German state of Hesse also incorporates a somewhat similar design on its coat of arms, which is in turn featured on the state flag, though the civil flag bears no resemblance.