Opposition parties have sharply criticised the government's plans to relax shop opening hours, accusing it of prioritising large retailers and failing to address the needs of small businesses and workers.

After Luxembourg's trade unions expressed their dissatisfaction, opposition parties in the Chamber of Deputies have also strongly criticised the government's plans to introduce more flexible shop opening hours.

Minister of the Economy Lex Delles presented the draft bill to MPs on Wednesday morning, but the proposal has faced significant pushback.

In particular, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), the largest opposition party, left the presentation with a very negative opinion. MP and former Labour Minister Georges Engel argued that the bills on opening hours and Sunday work should have been combined into a single piece of legislation.

Engel specifically criticised the Christian Social People's Party (CSV), recalling that CSV parliamentary group leader Marc Spautz had previously assured him the two issues would be addressed as a "package". Engel accused Spautz of breaking his word, describing the move as "a complete disavowal" and expressing disappointment, particularly given Spautz's reputation as a socially focused politician. Engel warned that the CSV is "moving in a direction that is not good".

The opposition's criticism extended beyond the LSAP. A statement by CSV MP Stéphanie Weydert also drew ire from opposition parties. Weydert had suggested that, just as employers would not be forced to open their shops, employees could choose not to work for employers whose opening policies they disagree with.

The LSAP, the Green Party (Déi Gréng), the Pirate Party, and the Left Party (Déi Lénk) unanimously criticised the draft bill, claiming it was "written for employers" and disproportionately benefits large retail businesses at the expense of smaller ones. They warned that small businesses, lacking the flexibility of larger competitors, risk being disadvantaged by the proposed changes.

Parts of the opposition also raised broader societal concerns, such as childcare, during the debate. Meanwhile, the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) viewed the reform primarily as an administrative simplification but remained undecided on how it would vote on the bill.

Economy Minister Lex Delles defended the proposal, emphasising the need for the retail sector to adapt to "practical realities". He also criticised the opposition, particularly the LSAP, for failing to present alternative solutions to the challenges facing the industry.

When questioned about the decision to introduce two separate bills, Delles explained that the proposals originated from two different ministries and addressed distinct issues. He highlighted that the bill on shop opening hours was developed in response to a request from the Luxembourg Confederation, which also represents small businesses. As such, he argued that small businesses would not be negatively affected by the changes.

Finally, the minister assured that trade unions would retain their exclusive right to negotiate collective agreements.