Tornaco Ministry

The government of Victor de Tornaco saw several important developments in international politics, such as the dissolution of the German Confederation in 1866 after the Austro-Prussian war, and an attempt by Napoleon III to purchase Luxembourg off William III of the Netherlands, which was prevented by Otto von Bismarck.

In the same period, railway lines were laid down from Wasserbillig to Trier and from Ettelbrück to Gouvy, which was a boost to the steel industry in Luxembourg.

The opposition Deputy and old ally of Norbert Metz, Baron Victor de Tornaco, was charged with forming a new government.

They finally agreed that Prussia would withdraw its garrison, the fortress would be demolished, and the Grand Duchy would become neutral in perpetuity.

Electoral struggles were sometimes conducted with an extraordinary intensity, and led to huge expenses; the discussions in the Chamber were irritating even though they pertained only affairs of minor importance; the polemic of the newspapers was of an excessive insolence.

The railway construction provided a boost to the Luxembourgish economy, and paved the way for the rise of modern steel production.