Luxembourg City welcomed its new mayor to the ranks on Thursday when former Alderman Xavier Bettel was sworn in.

The 38-year-old told reporters that he wanted to continue playing a role in running the capital before the communal elections, which took place on October 9. His joy at being elected mayor, he said, made him even happier.

As he takes up the term of office for five years, Mr Bettel said he anticipated challenges, in particular with regards to housing policy, security and transport planning.

The lawyer and deputy talked of his pride in Luxembourg's tolerant political landscape, in that there were no National Front-style parties in existence. But, he expressed a desire to encourage integration among foreign nationals living in Luxembourg by ensuring that they enjoy living in “their” city.

Also sworn in on Thursday were the mayors and aldermen of Clervaux, Esch-Sauer, Eschweiler, Mersch, Niederanven, Nommern, Saeul, Schieren, Schifflange, Tandel and Walferdange.