On 5 January 1897, Brasseur stood as the liberal candidate against the socialist Michel Welter in partial elections in Esch-sur-Alzette.

[2] Brasseur consistently introduced legislation expanding Esch's prestige in the country, including the creation of a new district tribunal in Esch (along with those in Luxembourg City and Diekirch) and the creation of an industrial school in the town; both were defeated.

Brasseur, as one of the most prominent socialists in the country, was appointed to run for, and was elected to, the communal council of Luxembourg City, along with Jean-Pierre Probst and Luc Housse, in 1904.

[5] Despite his commitment to Esch's development and his attack on the succession of Marie-Adélaïde to the grand duchy,[6] Brasseur's main political preoccupation was with the introduction of universal suffrage and the promotion of education for girls.

In 1914, Robert married Jeanne, whom the late Xavier had divorced four years previously.