MPs will participate in two important parliamentary sessions next week ahead of the summer break.
Top on the priority list is the new coronavirus bill, which merges two laws which came into force after the state of emergency, and will double down on rules for group gatherings in a return to strict regulations.
On Friday morning, the Council of State confirmed they would not be lodging a formal opposition to the bill. The Health Commission has analysed their comments ahead of next week’s vote.
Mars Di Bartolomeo, rapporteur of the bill, told RTL that the Council of State has followed the government’s arguments and it no longer considers interventions in the private sphere to be disproportionate. The new restrictions for groups of more than 20 people will be adapted to the current health situation. The Parliamentary Committee will meet again on Tuesday to adopt the report.
According to the Council of State, the revised bill strikes a balance between protecting public health and guaranteeing individual fundamental rights.
However, the members of the council repeated their observations concerning private gatherings, as police cannot enforce restrictive distancing measures and mask regulations for such meetings. Penalties can therefore only be applied in the case of an admission or denunciation, which would make it unlikely for criminal consequences to occur in case of infractions.
The Council of State also queried the policy concerning activities related to schools, such as summer holiday groups, or Scouts.
The bill will be put to the vote on Thursday. If adopted, it will be in force from 24 July to 30 September. The next parliamentary session will be scheduled for the second Tuesday in October.
RTL.lu: Neit Covid-Gesetz: Gesondheetsministère warnt virun zweeter Well
