RTL Today - Your Weekly Recap: Doctors threaten CNS pullout, Luxembourg activist detained in Gaza flotilla, and US government shuts down

Your Weekly Recap for 29 September–3 October 2025.

Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:

Doctors and dentists threaten withdrawal from CNS agreement over 'unequal treatment'
Court hears closing arguments in Nepalese restaurant abuse and human trafficking trial
Belval student housing in disarray, as residents denounce 'unsafe and unsanitary conditions'
Luxembourg activist said to have been 'kidnapped' as Gaza aid flotilla is intercepted by Israel
US government enters shutdown as Congress fails to reach funding deal

Special story: Luxembourg welcomes new Grand Duke Guillaume

Luxembourg officially welcomed its new Grand Duke this Friday morning, marking the historic abdication of Grand Duke Henri after 25 years.

As this remains an ongoing event, we are highlighting it here as a bonus rather than a full story. You can read our coverage here and follow the live ticker here for the latest updates.

1. Doctors and dentists threaten withdrawal from CNS agreement over 'unequal treatment'

The Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD) has floated the possibility of breaking with the national health fund over stalled reforms and 'unequal treatment', while accusing the Health Ministry of sidelining patients.
CNS president Christian Oberlé has rejected doctors’ claims of unfair treatment, arguing their pay demands far exceed those of hospital staff.

The National Health Fund has been under increasing financial pressure, with the latest report describing the CNS deficit as "alarming".

Upcoming vote – The Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD) has threatened to withdraw from its agreement with the National Health Fund (CNS) over stalled reforms and reimbursement tariffs, accusing Health Minister Martine Deprez of neglecting patients' interests. A vote on withdrawal is set for 8 October after months of failed mediation, with AMMD president Chris Roller denouncing what he calls unequal treatment, stating that hospital staff received pay rises negotiated by unions sitting on the CNS board, while doctors were excluded.

The group also criticises the lack of progress on reforms such as group practices and outpatient procedures outside hospitals, accusing the ministry of blocking initiatives that could reduce waiting times and costs. While both AMMD and the Ministry insist patients would still receive care if doctors pull out of the convention, Roller argues contributions should be used more effectively and warns the system risks prioritising bureaucracy over patient needs.

Disputed claims – CNS has dismissed AMMD's claims that physicians are treated less favourably than hospital staff, stressing that hospital wages are tied to the State agreement and rise by around 2.5%. CNS president Christian Oberlé argued that the AMMD's demand for a 2.68% increase – double the 1.34% offered – would grant private doctors far greater benefits than hospital employees, costing an estimated €24 million annually, or about €8,000 per practitioner compared with €2,500 for hospital staff.

Problematic deficit – Luxembourg's health insurance system faces mounting financial pressure, with the latest CNS report describing the situation as "alarming" after the sickness-maternity branch posted a €25.8 million deficit in 2024. Expenditures of €4.55 billion slightly outstripped revenues, reducing reserves to €936 million, though still above the legal minimum. Health Minister Martine Deprez has tasked a working group with drafting recovery measures, while the CNS has sought to rein in costs by limiting operating expenses, tightening fraud controls, and expanding digital services.

Despite these efforts, concerns are growing as unions and employers remain deeply divided. Unions demand fairer contributions from high earners, with the LCGB calling for the removal of the current contribution ceiling, arguing it could generate €300 million, while also insisting that benefits must be preserved. Employers, however, strongly reject any contribution hikes, warning they would harm competitiveness and the labour market. Both sides blame the system's financing of non-health-related services for worsening the deficit.

2. Court hears closing arguments in Nepalese restaurant abuse and human trafficking trial

Victims described years of exploitation, withheld wages, and intimidation at a Nepali-run restaurant, as the Luxembourg City Court hears final statements on the harrowing case.
The accused couple gave conflicting and unconvincing explanations to the court, calling the case "a conspiracy" against them.
Prosecutors are seeking at least ten years in prison and a €100,000 fine for the accused restaurateur, five years for his wife, while victims demand hundreds of thousands in damages; the defence rejected all charges, and threatened perjury suits against the plaintiffs.

'Horror story' – In Luxembourg City, a former Nepali restaurant manager and his wife stood trial on charges of human trafficking, assault, and battery, accused of exploiting staff through violence and financial control, between 2016 and 2021. Six alleged victims testified to being beaten, burned, and forced to hand back most of their salaries in cash, leaving them effectively unpaid despite years of gruelling workdays without rest or holidays. One victim, who still suffers a hand injury from repeated beatings, said he had to repay €85,000 of his €111,000 wages, while another described surviving on €5 a week for food. Testimonies also revealed confiscated passports and bank cards, extended isolation, and fear of reprisal, with one victim trapped in Nepal for years after his documents were taken.

Although witnesses said the owner's wife lived in fear herself and did not commit physical violence, she faces the same charges. Both deny any wrongdoing, with the defence lawyer arguing that there is no direct evidence linking the injuries documented by forensic doctors specifically to the accused, but prosecutors argue the pattern of coercion and abuse justifies a sentence of up to 15 years, with the victims seeking above all official recognition of their suffering.

An issue of credibility – "Mr. R.", the former restaurateur accused of human trafficking and abuse gave conflicting explanations over missing staff wages and confiscated bank cards, while portraying himself and his wife as victims of community pressure and conspiracy. He denied ever hitting employees, suggesting their scars came from life in Nepal, and argued rivals sought to shut down his business. Questioned about €11,490 withdrawn from a worker's account, he gave shifting accounts ranging from denial to claims of loans or gifts, while his wife insisted withheld wages were placed in a "communal fund" for emergencies, though she could not explain its purpose.

Both rejected allegations of exploitation, saying employees had time off and proper contracts, but the court challenged their credibility, noting no former staff had spoken positively of the couple.

Closing arguments –As the proceedings drew to a close, the restaurateur gave a defiant final statement, telling the court that he was "on the path of peace" and asked who recognised his suffering, adding that he too had the right to live in freedom. Despite weeks of harrowing accounts of beatings, confiscated documents, and forced repayments that left victims with little or no income, "Mr. R." described himself as the true victim, insisting the case was driven by conspiracy and community pressure.

The prosecution, rejecting these claims, called the evidence "a horror story" of total control over vulnerable staff, demanding at least ten years in prison and a €100,000 fine for the restaurateur, and five years – potentially suspended – for his wife, who benefited from the exploitation even if she did not commit direct violence. Civil parties are seeking several hundred thousand euros in damages for economic, physical, and psychological harm, while the defence has dismissed the accusations as lies, announcing plans to press perjury charges against the victims – a move that could stall proceedings.

3. Belval student housing in disarray, as residents denounce 'unsafe and unsanitary conditions'

University of Luxembourg students have denounced the unsafe and unsanitary conditions of their student accommodation, sharing their issues with sewage floods, black mould, and weeks without basic utilities.
The push and pull of split responsibilities between managers and landlords leave urgent repairs unresolved for weeks.
Tenants push for rent reductions and stronger legal protections to end exploitation of students.

Unacceptable conditions – University students living in the Galileo apartment complex in Belval have denounced the 'inhumane conditions' they have been dealing with, and describe a catalogue of problems that go far beyond normal housing issues. Some units have been submerged in wastewater, with faecal matter flooding bedrooms and bathrooms. Others have gone weeks without electricity due to overflowing pipes interfering with sockets, leaving students unable to cook, study, or even use lighting. Many tenants have endured over a month without hot water, forcing them to boil water for washing or rely on friends' showers.

On top of this, mould is common in both bedrooms and bathrooms, raising concerns about long-term health impacts. Students say these recurring issues not only compromise their wellbeing but also disrupt their studies, with one PhD student noting he was left without power before a major exam.

Kicking the can down the road –Tenants report that responsibility for resolving problems is constantly shifted between different parties: Genimmo, the rental manager, is officially the first point of contact, but often directs tenants to iGest, the property manager, while iGest claims certain issues are the landlords' responsibility. This division of duties means even urgent problems like flooding, power cuts, or broken heating systems can take weeks to fix. Students say they are left in limbo as both sides pass blame, with one describing the process as "everyone sending the hot potato to someone else." This lack of clear accountability has created frustration and mistrust, as tenants feel they are paying full rent without receiving basic services guaranteed in their contracts.

Calls for action –Frustrated with repeated disruptions, students have launched petitions demanding reduced rent to reflect the loss of essential utilities. They argue it is unfair to pay for services they are not receiving, such as hot water or electricity. However, their requests have gone unanswered, deepening their sense of helplessness.

Tenant rights association Mieterschutz has confirmed that national tenant law supersedes private contracts and has offered to review rental agreements for possible violations. Housing organisers have also warned that foreign students, who make up a large proportion of tenants, are especially vulnerable to exploitation because they are often unfamiliar with their legal rights. Advocates stress that better education on tenant rights, greater accountability, and stronger protections are urgently needed to prevent landlords and managers from taking advantage of students in precarious situations.

4. Luxembourg activist said to have been 'kidnapped' as Gaza aid flotilla is intercepted by Israel

A Luxembourg activist has been detained after Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of aid ships bound for Gaza, prompting Luxembourg’s Foreign Ministry to voice "deep concern" and activists at home to demand her release.
Around 50 people protested outside the Foreign Ministry in Luxembourg, emphasising the "kidnapping" and illegal detention of the activists.
Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters has raised sharp legal questions, with experts warning the operation violates international law and deepens concerns over the humanitarian blockade.

'Kidnapped' – Luxembourg activist Nora Fellens Huberty is among those detained after the Israeli navy intercepted a flotilla of aid ships bound for Gaza, an operation activists describe as "kidnapping" and "illegal arrests." Huberty, who appeared in a prerecorded video claiming she was taken against her will, had been aboard the Mia Mia, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla of about 40 boats, including one carrying Greta Thunberg. Luxembourg's Foreign Ministry confirmed the vessels were escorted to an Israeli port and voiced "deep concern", urging Israel to ensure the activists' safety while coordinating with EU partners.

Protest at Foreign Ministry –Around 50 people protested outside Luxembourg's Foreign Ministry after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza. Activists denounced Huberty's detention as "kidnapping" and urged stronger government action, while Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel confirmed Israel had been asked to respect international law and assured that Huberty would receive support if needed.

Multiple protests took place in several European cities, with tens of thousands taking to the streets and urging their respective governments to take stronger action against Israel.

What does the law say? –The interception of the aid flotilla in international water has sparked debate over Israel's Gaza blockade and the legality of its naval actions. Legal experts and Amnesty Luxembourg argue the move breaches international law, citing freedom of navigation under UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea), Palestinian sovereignty over Gaza's coast, and humanitarian obligations to allow food and medicine into the enclave. While Israel frames the operation as a peaceful security measure, critics say it adds to a "layering" of violations, especially after the ICJ's 2024 ruling that Israel was creating life-threatening conditions in Gaza.

Analysts note blockades are only lawful if they avoid harming civilians, a standard Israel is accused of failing to meet. Activists detained are expected to face deportation rather than prosecution, with lawyers now advising them during custody. Amnesty stresses that beyond flotilla missions, real leverage lies in financial pressure, with Luxembourg highlighted as a key player due to its role in EU markets for Israeli bonds.

5. US government enters shutdown as Congress fails to reach funding deal

The US government went into shutdown on Wednesday after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to resolve a budget standoff.
The White House warned of looming mass layoffs, threatening Democrat constituencies in particular, as a temporary agreement failed to manifest.
US stocks hit fresh record highs Wednesday as investors focused on expected Federal Reserve rate cuts, brushing off the government shutdown in Washington.

Gridlock –The US government has entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years after Congress and President Donald Trump failed to agree on a funding deal, with Democrats demanding major health care spending and Republicans pushing only a short-term extension. The deadlock, which began after midnight Wednesday, has forced federal agencies to halt operations, leaving up to 750,000 workers furloughed or unpaid.

Trump blamed Democrats for the impasse and threatened mass layoffs targeting their constituencies, saying shutdowns can be useful for cutting "things we didn't want." While essential services like the military, Social Security, and the postal system continue, the closure adds fresh uncertainty to a federal workforce already shaken by earlier job cuts. It remains unclear how long the shutdown will last, with the Senate due to resume negotiations later this week.

No one blinks –Hopes of a quick fix evaporated after Democrats refused to back a temporary funding bill, insisting on the restoration of health care subsidies for low-income families that Republicans aim to cut. With federal funding expired, agencies began winding down services, air traffic controllers warned of safety risks, and projects in blue states were targeted for termination, which critics denounced as political retaliation.

Republicans accused Democrats of making unreasonable demands, while Democrats said they were standing firm against Trump's agenda of slashing government services. The Senate will not revisit the issue until Friday, meaning the shutdown is likely to drag on into the weekend.

No immediate effect –Wall Street closed at record highs Wednesday despite the start of the US government shutdown, with the Dow and S&P 500 hitting new peaks as weak employment data fuelled expectations of further Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Investors largely brushed aside the political deadlock in Washington that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid, noting shutdowns usually have only short-term effects on markets. Analysts said private-sector job losses reinforced forecasts of two more rate cuts this year, though the shutdown could delay key payroll data needed for Fed decisions. European markets also rose, buoyed by gains in pharmaceutical stocks after major drugmakers agreed to price cuts in the US.

The best of... 📚

Business & Tech – The US Treasury says it is "fully prepared" to support Argentina with a proposed $20 billion aid package, as Secretary Scott Bessent pushes forward talks with Economy Minister Luis Caputo in Washington. The plan, backed by Donald Trump, comes as President Javier Milei struggles with a sliding peso and looming midterm elections, with Bessent framing the effort as key to US strategic interests in Latin America despite criticism from Democrats at home.
Science & Environment – Chunk, a 500kg brown bear, has been crowned the winner of Alaska's Fat Bear Week 2025, defeating two-time champion Grazer in the final round of the annual Katmai National Park contest. The event, which drew 1.6 million votes worldwide, showcases 12 bears on live webcam as they bulk up for hibernation, while raising awareness about the park’s ecosystem and the challenges facing its 2,000-strong bear population.
Entertainment –Taylor Swift releases her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Friday, in a launch that combines new music with cinema screenings and global fan events. The album is the most pre-saved album ever on the Spotify streaming platform, breaking the record set last year by Swift's last album.
Sport –Tennis stars including Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff are calling for a shorter season after a spate of injuries and retirements highlighted the toll of an increasingly crowded calendar. While governing bodies argue mandatory events and extended tournaments bring stability and higher prize money, players warn the schedule is "too long and too intense," with Gauff calling it "impossible" to play more without risking their health.

And in case you missed it... ⚠️

Trailblazer – "Conservation giant" Jane Goodall passed away at the age of 91, and the world paid tribute to the renowned British chimpanzee expert who "opened doors for generations of women in science."
Oops! – A French textbook used in Luxembourg's 7e general secondary classes has been withdrawn after a printing error repeatedly referred to an exercise as "Anal Activity" instead of "Final Activity".
Schrödinger's body – A heavy police presence in Moutfort on Monday night raised alarm after witnesses mistook a motionless person near the railway line for a dead body. Authorities later confirmed that no fatality was involved, though they declined to provide further details. The public prosecutor's office said an investigation is underway, with forensic teams seen working at the site on Tuesday morning.
That's a lot of rain – September experienced the highest amount of monthly rainfall since records began in Luxembourg back in 1947. Previously, the highest amount was 232.2 litres, recorded in December 1993.

Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.