© Chambre des Députés
The Chamber of Deputies passed the new tripartite law early on Wednesday evening, with the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) being the only opposition party to vote with the majority.
The remaining opposition parties, made up of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), the Left, and the Pirate Party, all voted against the tripartite law.
The law envisions to implement the majority of points from the tripartite agreement signed by the government, the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB), and the Confederation of Public Servants (CGFP). This includes the postponing of the next index cut as well as compensation measures through tax credits.
MP Gilles Baum from the Democratic Party (DP) stressed that no index cut will be abolished, but that a minimum period of twelve months in between cuts has to be respected. The proposed compensation measures will help low-income families in particular, explained the liberal fraction leader. They will come into affect as of July.
Some of the points from the tripartite agreement have already been implemented through Grand Ducal decrees. Most issues relating to housing will be addressed in a separate law.
Christian Social People's Party (CSV)
CSV MPs expressed general support for the tripartie law, as it allows businesses to persevere and societal peace to be upheld.
Co-fraction president Gilles Roth noted that the tax credit system remains flawed, with single-salary households at a disadvantage. The CSV speaker also concluded that a new tripartite meeting is indispensable if more adjustments become necessary, further reminding the coalition parties of their promise to do so.
Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR)
ADR members argued that the index cut should not have been postponed. MP Fernand Kartheiser believes that the overcompensation through tax credits is no valid excuse, given that it fails to consider aspects such as overtime or Sunday rates.
The party also questioned the government's decision to introduce a 7.5 cent reduction on fuel, as they believe this amount to be far too insignificant.
The Left
Politicians from the Left expressed their view that the government is manipulating the index mechanism with invalid arguments. Private households will have to pay a higher price than businesses, argued MP Myriam Cecchetti. Since €800 million have already been designated for the relief measures, support should be more targeted.
The Left further expressed support for the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) for refusing to sign the "manipulative" agreement.
Read also: Tripartite law represents 'a manipulation of the index', says Myriam Cecchetti
The Pirate Party
MP Sven Clement emphasised that the dialogue between government and social partners should never be abandoned, which is why he labeled the tripartite law as "lacking solidarity".
The opposition politician further criticised the overcompensation and expressed his view that the government failed to adequately plan the support.
Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL)
Members of OGBL, the only social partner to not have signed the tripartite agreement, convened outside of the Chamber to protest on Wednesday evening. Although organised on short notice, many people still came to show their support for the union and its fight for the index.
2023 municipal elections
Municipal elections, initially scheduled to take place in autumn 2023, have been rescheduled to 11 June as to not interfere with the Chamber elections. A respective legislative amendment will be introduced in due time.
