In 1974, the Christian Social Party (CSV) goes into opposition for the first time in its history when the Democratic Party (DP) forms a coalition with the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP). On 9 July 1974, Pierre Werner, former Prime Minister and Honorary Minister of State, gives his first address in the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies as leader of the Christian Social parliamentary group. He gives his views on the government statement made by his successor Gaston Thorn and reviews the results of the election.

In this interview, Charles-Ferdinand Nothomb, former Belgian Foreign Minister, describes how he perceives the role played by Pierre Werner as Leader of the Opposition between 1974 and 1979.

On 20 November 1974, Pierre Werner, Honorary Minister of State and leader of the Christian Social parliamentary group, gives an address in the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies on the difficulties of reviving European integration.

On 19 December 1974, Gaston Thorn, the Luxembourg Prime Minister, informs the Chamber of Deputies of the political outcome of the Paris summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Nine.

On 21 January 1975, Pierre Werner, Honorary Minister of State and leader of the Christian-Social parliamentary group, speaks during debates in the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies on the statement made by Minister of State and President of the Government Gaston Thorn on 19 December concerning the recent European Summit. Pierre Werner particularly focuses on the positive outcome of the Paris Summit, which brought together the Heads of State or Government of the Nine on 9 and 10 December 1974.

At a meeting at the Belgian Embassy in Luxembourg on 12 May 1975, a delegation from the Luxembourg Christian Social Party (CSV), including Jacques Santer, national leader of the CSV, and Pierre Werner, Honorary Minister of State and leader of the CSV parliamentary group, presents a note to Belgian Prime Minister Leo Tindemans summarising the party’s views on European union. The members of the delegation particularly focus on the distribution of powers and responsibilities between states and Community institutions as well as the future developments needed to achieve a federal-style political organisation of European states.

In this interview, Charles-Ferdinand Nothomb, leader of the Belgian Christian Social Party from 1972 to 1979, discusses the reasons that led Pierre Werner to stand in the European elections in 1979.

As the European Monetary System (EMS) is implemented, Pierre Werner, Honorary Minister of State and leader of the Christian Social parliamentary group, gives an address in the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies on 1 March 1979 in which he discusses the bill on Luxembourg’s monetary status.