Félix de Blochausen
Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1874 to 1885
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Baron Félix de Blochausen (5 March 1834 – 15 November 1915),[1] was a Luxembourgish politician. An Orangist, he was prime minister of Luxembourg, serving for ten years, from 26 December 1874 until 20 February 1885.[1]
Félix de Blochausen | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Prime Minister of Luxembourg | |
| In office 26 December 1874 – 20 February 1885 | |
| Monarch | William III |
| Preceded by | Emmanuel Servais |
| Succeeded by | Édouard Thilges |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 March 1834 |
| Died | 15 November 1915 (aged 81) |
| Party | Independent |
| Spouse | Estelle de Labeville |
He was the son of Frederic Joseph Prosper de Blochausen (1802–1886), who had been Chancellor of State of Luxembourg in The Hague.[2]
Minister for the Interior
He had a brief career as a lawyer and member of the Chamber of Deputies.[3] Then, from 14 December 1866 to 3 December 1867 he was Director-General (Minister) for the Interior in the government of Victor de Tornaco.[1] From 1872 to 1873 he was President of the Chamber of Deputies.[4]
Prime minister
On 26 December 1874, after Emmanuel Servais' resignation, de Blochausen was appointed prime minister and Director-General for Foreign Affairs.[5] From 21 September to 12 October 1882, he was Director-General of Finances.[1] Under his government, the criminal code and education were reformed. On 20 February 1885 de Blochausen had to resign due to an insider trading scandal.[6]
Domestic policy
The Blochausen government introduced reforms of primary education.[7] Against the opposition of conservative Deputies, it made it obligatory for children to attend school for six years, from ages 6 to 12.[7] The reform gave rise to far-reaching debates over the role of the state in society, and the relationship between church and state.[7] The new law made it the state's duty to organise public education, whereas the church retained a level of influence over education on the local level, and had powers of supervision over teachers.[8]
Post-government career
From 1893 until his death, Félix de Blochausen was the president of the Société agricole grand-ducale.[1] He died on 15 November 1915 at his birthplace, Birtrange Castle.[1]
Honours
- Grand Cordon in the order of Leopold.[9]
- Grand cross in the order of the oak crown.[9]
- Grand cross in the order of the Netherlands Lion.[9]
- Grand Cross Order of the Falcon, Saxe[9]
- Knight 2nd class order of the House of Nassau.[9]
- Knight First Class order of the Red Eagle[9]
- Knight 1st Class Order of the Prussian Crown.[9]
- Grand officer Legion of Honour[9]
- 1st class order of Waldeck and Pyrmont.[9]
