Speaking to MPs on Friday, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel explained that 5 Covid cases of the Omicron variant in Luxembourg has led to 11 and now 64 cases. With this in mind, Bettel urged MPs to do everything possible to avoid another big wave.
In its opinion issued as part of the new measures announced on Wednesday, the Medical College expressed itself in favour of compulsory vaccination in Luxembourg.
The Medical College, which brings together doctors, dentists, pharmacists and psychotherapists, believes that a “broad consensus” is felt within the scientific community and the population in favour of compulsory vaccination.
On Friday, CSV leader Claude Wiseler called for a general vaccination obligation from the age of 18, starting with compulsory vaccination of health professionals. He urged the government to present a concept by mid-January.
Wiseler continued by explaining that mandatory vaccination can no longer be avoided. While their motion did not pass, the discussion around mandatory vaccination reveals that the government is considering the option.
Minister of Justice Sam Tanson is working on a text to introduce this measure, the PM told parliament. He added that the minister was looking at what sanctions would be put in place for non-compliance with such an obligation.
However, the government has not yet taken a decision on this thorny issue, Bettel underlined. The government wants to put a text on the table in mid-January and to open a consultation debate with the deputies.
Pressure is mounting in Luxembourg to introduce compulsory vaccination. From an ethical point of view, compulsory vaccination would be “justifiable”, the National Ethics Commission (CNE) recently announced.
54% of Luxembourgers were in favour of compulsory vaccination against Covid-19 in mid-November, according to a Politmonitor survey conducted on behalf of RTL and Wort.
This week the Circle of Anaesthetists of Luxembourg (CMARL), professionals who work in intensive care, asked the government to introduce compulsory vaccination for everyone: residents, border workers, and anyone travelling on Luxembourg territory.
