|
Free translation of the Luxembourgish original version
Today, Grand Duke Jean is abdicating and Hereditary Grand Duke Henri becomes Luxembourg’s new Grand Duke. Therefore, 7 October 2000 represents an important date in our country’s history.
On this day, we should like to express our most sincere gratitude to Grand Duke Jean.
The Grand Duke’s reign as our head of state has been one of the happiest in our history. During this time we have enjoyed peace in Europe and harmony in our country. We have guarded our solidarity and, as a result, our country has prospered. Grand Duke Jean has succeeded in maintaining calm at home while gaining respect from abroad. In him we recognized ourselves. He has always been one of us and similar to us.
Furthermore, we should also like to convey our heartfelt thanks to Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte. She has always offered excellent support and remained the Grand Duke’s most dependable partner. Together they have shared joy and sorrow. The Grand Duke’s achievements would not have been possible without her.
Grand Duke Henri, who today takes the oath as laid down in our Constitution and laws, will continue his father’s mission with the utmost enthusiasm, compassion and dedication. He is a man of our times, proud of his country and its people and shares their concerns, dreams as well as their hopes. He will lead us in the 21st century and we will be happy to follow. We recognize that we shall be in the most capable hands, and he knows that we deserve his dedication. He is aware of our strengths and weaknesses and knows where our opportunities lie and the risks involved. Owing to his fine character and in-depth knowledge of his people, he will become a most worthy Grand Duke.
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa will be at his side, assisting him in his duties. Although she grew up in countries far away from Luxembourg, our new Grand Duchess is close to us and we greatly appreciate her presence.
We are confident Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa will fulfil all their tasks most admirably. As we depend on their success, we should like to express our joy and confidence on this day 7 October 2000.
Long live Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte.
Long live Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.
Luxembourg, 7 October 2000
Members of the Government
Jean-Claude Juncker
Lydie Polfer
Fernand Boden
Marie-Josée Jacobs
Erna Hennicot-Schoepges
Michel Wolter
Luc Frieden
Anne Brasseur
Henri Grethen
Charles Goerens
Carlo Wagner
François Biltgen
Joseph Schaack
Eugène Berger
|
