Here’s 5 things you should know at the end of this week:
On 1 January 2024, a number of changes will come into force in the Grand Duchy. Salaries, state subsidies, housing, mobility... our colleagues at RTL Infos compiled a list of everything you need to know.
Next to a new index that is expected to come into effect during summer towards the third quarter of the year, the tax table will finally be adjusted starting from 1 January.
Acting fast - The 2023 coalition agreement outlines measures aimed at a “short-term stimulation of the construction market for new units” in Luxembourg.
Mealvouchers - Beginning 1 January, the value of meal vouchers in Luxembourg will reach €15, compared to €10.80 in 2023.
Extension planned - As announced during the Spring 2023 tripartite, electricity prices will continue to be regulated in 2024 in Luxembourg.
Tram to National Stadium- The tram line’s southern section is set to be completed in 2024. Luxtram has announced that the final five stops leading to the Luxembourg Stadium will become operational over the course of the year.
Fully electric cars only- After the 31st of December 2023 (the deadline for their initial registration), hybrid cars will lose their eligibility for the subsidy received when purchasing an electric car.
Read also:When to take your leave in Luxembourg in 2024?
In March, all individuals currently employed in Luxembourg or those who have previously worked here are eligible to vote for the appointment of delegates representing their professional group in the Chamber of Employees
Given the increase in potential voters compared to the legislative elections, organising and conducting these elections requires a substantial effort.
A staggering 650,000 ballots, each in one of nine different colours representing the nine different occupational groups, are required for the upcoming social elections.
Who can vote? - Eligibility to vote extends to everyone currently employed in Luxembourg, undergoing an apprenticeship, seeking employment, or those who are currently retired. Even Luxembourgish citizens who are retired and residing abroad have the opportunity to participate in the elections.
Who can you vote for?- Employees have the opportunity to elect up to 60 delegates across 9 occupational groups who will advocate for their interests in politics over the next 5 years.
Low participation rate- Despite the heightened importance of voting during times of social challenges, the participation rate in the last social elections in 2019 was just above 30%.
Service sector- The largest segment of potential voters lies in group 5, encompassing the services sector, including commerce, cleaning, and catering. These businesses alone account for 250,000 ballots.
In addition- On the 12th of March, in every business with more than 15 employees, a new staff delegation can be elected. These delegations will represent the interests of fellow employees within the respective businesses.
Wolfgang Schäuble, a towering figure in German politics known for his fiscal discipline and influence in European affairs, passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that shaped German history and European integration.
Schaeuble was the longest-serving member of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, where he had sat since 1972.
‘A saddening death’ - The demise of Wolfgang Schäuble brings to an end an era marked by his exceptional political career and unyielding determination, leaving a void mourned by his close confidant and friend, Jean-Claude Juncker.
Despite differing opinions - Amid the eurozone crisis and the Greek government-debt crisis, the former European Commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, actively sought expert counsel from Wolfgang Schäuble, who was regarded as a significant political figure at that time.
Another key politician - One day later, Jacques Delors, a former head of the EU Commission and key figure in the creation of the euro currency, died. He headed up the European Commission from 1985 to 1995, a decade that saw major steps in the bloc’s integration.
These included the creation of the common market, the Schengen accords for travel, the Erasmus programme for student exchanges and the creation of the bloc’s single currency, the euro.
https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/a/2151857.htmlJailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, whose whereabouts were not known for over two weeks, has been moved to a penal colony in the Arctic, allies said Monday.
Authorities transferred Russia’s most prominent opposition politician to an isolated penal colony three months before a presidential vote expected to easily hand Vladimir Putin a fifth term.
Slow transfer- It is common for transfers to take weeks in Russia, as prisoners are slowly moved by rail between far-flung facilities.
No oppostion - Several Kremlin-friendly parties are due to put forward candidates for the vote in March, but the real opposition has been sidelined.
Arrested and jailed - In February, Navalny was handed a two-and-a-half-year sentence for breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence while recuperating in Germany, and sent to a penal colony. His sentence later is increased to nine years after a conviction on new charges of embezzlement and contempt of court.
In August, a gaunt Navalny, who has experienced major weight loss in prison, is sentenced to an additional 19 years at a harsher “special regime” facility on charges of “extremism”.
A fire broke out in the Benu Village, Luxembourg’s first eco-village, which had recently run into financial difficulties.
The cause of the fire needs further investigation, and the future of Benu Village remains uncertain, partly because ownership of certain buildings is unclear.
Bankruptcy- In mid-December, the court ruled that Benu Village ASBL should be liquidated.
Uncertainty - For now, a meeting between the municipality and the liquidator is planned for January, though the mayor is already aware that hardly anything will be left of the building for safety reasons.
New project?- The organisation’s twenty former employees have now come together to restart the project. This time, the aim is to create flat hierarchies by involving local people and employees in the project. However, other organisations are also interested in the site.
Risky business - The Benu Village employees were all given their notice in December and will officially lose their jobs at the end of February. The twenty dedicated people are therefore also taking a risk by hoping that the project will be restarted.
Business & Tech - The New York Times’ lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft alleges that their AI models used the publication’s content without consent, highlighting concerns over unauthorized content use and the conflict between technology innovation and copyright protection.
Science & Environment- It seems the holiday spirit has reached far beyond Earth this year, as NASA unveils a stunning discovery – the ‘Christmas Tree Cluster.’
Entertainment - US rapper Kanye West apologized to the Jewish community Tuesday, after a series of anti-Semitic comments that sparked outrage and led to the star being dropped from lucrative commercial deals and banned from social media.
Centre for Luxembourgish Language - “KI” named Luxembourgish word of the year 2023.
Never-ending story - Motorists who regularly travel on the A4 motorway have noticed a constant building site near the Pontpierre bridge. But what is it for, and why is it taking so long?
Controversial ban - It is now up to the police to decide on a case-by-case basis whether it is organised gangs or individuals who are begging, says Maurice Bauer, Chief alderman of Luxembourg City council, as he clarified how this ban is now to be implemented in practice.
Reducing consumption- In light of the European directive against the use of tobacco, the government is drafting new regulation, including the obligation to display warning messages on tobacco products and the ban on flavourings and additives.
Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.
