Ombudsman — Ombudsman (Médiateur du Grand-Duché)

Direct answer

The ombudsman — Ombudsman (Médiateur du Grand-Duché) (26 27 01 01) — investigates how public bodies act: delays, silence, rudeness, lost files, refusal to explain, unequal treatment. It is free, independent, and its reports carry weight. Two conditions in most countries: you complained to the body itself first, and the complaint is within a deadline (often one year). The ombudsman does not overturn decisions — for that, object and appeal (see that page); Assistance judiciaire (Barreau) / consultations juridiques gratuites (barreau.lu) helps with the legal route; Tribunal administratif (justice.public.lu) is the court. Many countries have specialised ombudsmen too (children, patients, financial) — Ombudsman (Médiateur du Grand-Duché) redirects you.

Call firstOmbudsman (Médiateur du Grand-Duché)

Report toAssistance judiciaire (Barreau) / consultations juridiques gratuites

If that failsTribunal administratif

🗣️ What to say

"I complain about [body] concerning [what happened, dates]. I raised this with them on [date] and [no answer / an unsatisfactory answer, attached]. I consider their conduct [unreasonable / unfair / negligent] because [reasons]. I ask you to investigate and to recommend [what]."

🪜 Step by step

Complain to the body firstIn writing; keep it. The ombudsman will ask for it.
Within the deadlineUsually a year from the conduct, sometimes less. Later is possible with a reason.
Complaint to Ombudsman (Médiateur du Grand-Duché)Online form: what happened, what you did, what you want. Attach the correspondence.
InvestigationThe ombudsman asks the body for its side, may look at the file, and issues findings and recommendations. Months, not weeks.
Decision itself wrong? Assistance judiciaire (Barreau) / consultations juridiques gratuites, Tribunal administratifThe legal route runs in parallel and has its own deadline — do not wait for the ombudsman to appeal.

📇 All contacts

Ombudsman (Médiateur du Grand-Duché)Complaints about administrations, freeWhen the administration does not answer or acts unfairly📞 26 27 01 01 🔗 www.ombudsman.lu

Assistance judiciaire (Barreau) / consultations juridiques gratuitesLawyer paid for, free consultationsWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.barreau.lu/assistance-judiciaire

Tribunal administratifAppeals against administrative decisionsWithin 3 months of the decision🔗 justice.public.lu/fr/organisation-justice/juridictions-administratives.html

❓ Frequently asked

Is the ombudsman's decision binding?

Recommendations are not binding, but public bodies follow the vast majority and parliament publishes those that do not.

Can I complain about the police, a hospital, a school?

Yes, for public services; some have their own complaints bodies first. Ombudsman (Médiateur du Grand-Duché)'s site lists which.

Can the ombudsman award compensation?

It can recommend it, and many bodies pay on recommendation. For a right to compensation, the court.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“ombudsman complaint Luxembourg”
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“ombudsman deadline complaint”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

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⚖️ A public body treated me unfairly — how do I complain to the ombudsman?