MPs critique government approach following climate bonus vote

The so-called "top up" of the climate bonus scheme was retroactively approved in the Chamber of Deputies with 59 votes in favour and one against. As explained on the Chamber of Deputies website, the new law provides for an increase in the replacement bonus from 30% to 50% for upgrading fossil fuel boilers or electric heating systems to more energy-efficient alternatives. Additionally, beneficiaries opting for self-consumption or joining an energy community will receive a 25% supplement for photovoltaic installations. There is also a 25% supplement available for sustainable energy renovation projects.

The law, which had expired at the end of December 2023, will now be extended until the end of June, with another extension planned until 30 October, as emphasised by Minister of the Environment Serge Wilmes. A new scheme will then take effect from 1 October.

Despite overwhelming approval, the government's communication style with the Chamber of Deputies sparked considerable discussion among lawmakers. MP Claire Delcourt noted that the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) had early doubts about whether six months would be sufficient to set up a new scheme. Their motion to extend the draft bill was rejected by the majority.

"Surprisingly, three weeks later, the Prime Minister was able to present in detail the new climate bonus scheme, set to take effect on 1 October," Delcourt remarked. She questioned whether the environment minister had deferred to the PM to announce this news or if the government was uncertain about the plan until the last minute.

MP David Wagner from the Left Party (Déi Lénk) criticised the government's approach of having the Chamber of Deputies vote on a law that had already been in effect for six months. Minister Serge Wilmes countered that the Chamber of Deputies had been informed during the State of the Nation address. However, MP Sam Tanson from the Green Party (déi gréng) opposed this form of information policy.

Tanson criticised the approach, arguing that MPs are there to scrutinise the government, not simply receive information. She highlighted that this oversight function becomes ineffective if the government only informs without engaging in substantive dialogue. Tanson pointed out that during the State of the Nation address, numerous questions were posed by MPs, but none were adequately answered.

The Green Party MP also disputed Minister Wilmes' assertion that he had never been invited to a parliamentary committee meeting, calling it "untrue" and "impertinent."

During the parliamentary session, the Pirate Party proposed three amendments via a handwritten note, aiming to immediately extend the bonuses until the end of September. However, these proposals were rejected by the majority.