Health Minister Martine Deprez expressed optimism about Luxembourg's pension reform progress during an interview with RTL Radio on Thursday, while also outlining plans for healthcare improvements and stricter regulations on nicotine products.
On Thursday morning, Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez spoke with our colleagues from RTL Radio, expressing optimism about the progress of a potential pension reform.
Following an extensive consultation phase involving the public and expert committees, the government will have to make decisions based on the feedback gathered. The final expert committee, which includes trade unions, employer representatives, political parties, and youth representatives, is scheduled for 24 April. After this meeting, the government will present an outline for the proposed reform.
Minister Deprez assured that current pension recipients will not see their benefits reduced. Any changes, she emphasised, would be implemented gradually over a long transition period to ensure the system's long-term financial stability. "Reforms will need to be impactful to secure the future of the pension system," she said.
Healthcare: Focus on prevention and digitalisation
In the healthcare sector, the government plans to prioritise prevention and boost digitalisation. Deprez highlighted the need for a more connected and efficient system, noting that many healthcare professionals are eager to see improvements in resource management.
"Exercise on prescription" pilot project
By the end of the year, the government aims to launch a pilot project for "exercise on prescription," enabling doctors to prescribe physical activity to patients. This initiative will involve doctors working with patients to assess their current activity levels and recommend changes to improve their health. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce preventative consultations, where doctors will evaluate whether individuals are taking adequate steps to maintain their health.
Nicotine pouches to face stricter regulations
As part of its prevention efforts, the government plans to regulate nicotine pouches, which have gained significant popularity among young people. Proposed measures include restricting sales to individuals aged 18 and over, banning advertising, increasing prices through excise duties, and reducing the maximum permitted nicotine dose.
Minister Deprez also revealed that a draft bill, which also includes stricter regulations for electronic cigarettes, is currently in the works. The bill will be reviewed by the responsible parliamentary committee in the coming weeks before being put to a vote in the Chamber of Deputies.
Legal age limits for smoking and drinking: "Completely illogical"
Deprez highlighted the inconsistency in Luxembourg's legal age limits for smoking and drinking. While individuals must be 18 to purchase tobacco, all types of alcohol, including spirits, are legally available from the age of 16. The minister acknowledged that this discrepancy is "completely illogical."
However, she noted that the coalition agreement does not include provisions to raise the legal drinking age. Despite this, Deprez expressed openness to further discussion on the matter. She emphasised her preference for educational measures, awareness campaigns, and knowledge-sharing initiatives over outright bans.
Deprez acknowledged that Luxembourg is "not a good role model" when it comes to alcohol consumption, with one of the highest rates in Europe. "This is certainly something that has to be monitored," she said.
