Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:
Luxembourg faced heavy rain in the first week of the year, triggering flood alerts across the country until Sunday.
Stormy start – The first week of the year brought turbulent weather to the Grand Duchy. Heavy rainfall affected the territory for the better part of the week, triggering flood warnings across Luxembourg until Sunday.
Red alerts – Luxembourg’s meteorological services issued red alerts in numerous places. While property damages stayed limited, several roads had to be closed off due to the persistent rain and the rising water levels of rivers.
Climate change or coincidence? – Meteorologist Fabian Ruhnau from the Kachelmann Weather Channel attributes the recent heavy rains in Luxembourg to a persistent “western weather” pattern, where the jet stream from the North Atlantic brings low-pressure systems and increased rainfall to Central Europe.
Although this pattern is not unusual, its duration this year is noteworthy. Ruhnau suggests it is a coincidence, but does not rule out climate change’s influence, especially given the above-average ocean temperatures leading to more evaporation and rainfall. He concludes that while increased global rainfall is a climate change effect, the specific extended rainfall in Luxembourg might be coincidental.
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden, in a pre-recorded RTL New Year’s interview, discussed selective government grants, maintaining current environmental subsidies, and adopting a more relaxed approach to the climate crisis, emphasising the continued role of fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Frieden addressed major challenges facing the CSV-DP government, including tax reforms and housing, and stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of Luxembourg’s pension system.
He intends to maintain the current electoral system and immigration policies, highlighting the need for administrative simplification in government and likening his role to that of a company’s general director.
Balanced climate approach – In the interview with RTL, Prime Minister Luc Frieden outlined his government’s fiscal approach, emphasising a more selective distribution of financial grants. Acknowledging the reality of climate change, Frieden expressed a belief in a balanced response, suggesting that there is more time to address this issue compared to more immediate crises like housing.
He plans to maintain existing environmental grants until mid-2024 and highlighted the ongoing significance of fossil fuels and nuclear energy, suggesting a reliance on future technological advancements to mitigate environmental impact without drastically altering lifestyles.
Pension overhaul – Frieden discussed the key challenges his government faces, particularly focusing on implementing their election promises concerning tax reforms and housing.
A major point of concern for the PM is the pension system in Luxembourg. Despite not being a significant topic during the election, he stressed the urgency of addressing the pension funds’ sustainability. Frieden advocates for a complete overhaul of the system, aiming to initiate a broad debate to foster consistent growth, reflecting his commitment to addressing long-term structural issues.
PM or CEO? – On the topic of governance and policy, Frieden expressed his intention to keep the existing electoral system with its four constituencies, citing concerns about political representation for rural areas. He also plans to continue the current immigration policies, emphasising that asylum should be granted only to those who genuinely qualify, and others should follow legal channels for immigration.
Comparing his role to that of a general director in a company, Frieden underlined the need for administrative efficiency and simplification, underscoring his leadership style as one that coordinates and aligns various government departments towards common objectives.
Luxembourg’s new tax measures are expected to have a short-term positive impact on the housing market, but experts believe more solutions are needed for long-term growth.
AtHome group predicts a decrease in property sale prices and rates this year, with developers ready to take risks on unreserved unit projects.
The anticipated trend aligns with the housing targets set by the Frieden administration in the coalition agreement.
Right direction – The Luxembourg government’s recent tax measures are expected to kickstart the housing market, albeit in the short term. Experts from atHome, a real estate consultancy, believe that while these measures might stimulate market activity and possibly ease some immediate challenges, they alone are not sufficient for the sustained revitalisation of the sector.
The need for more comprehensive and long-lasting solutions was emphasised to ensure stable growth and affordability in the housing market, indicating that the current measures are a step in the right direction, but not a complete solution.
Embracing risks – The trend suggests a cooling down of the market, which might make housing more accessible to a broader segment of the population in 2024. Furthermore, property developers are showing a readiness to embark on more speculative projects.
Unlike traditional approaches where developments proceed only after securing a significant number of reservations, developers are now believed to be willing to initiate projects with a higher degree of uncertainty, reflecting a change in market strategy that might lead to increased housing availability.
Saleh al-Aruri, a senior Hamas member, was killed in Beirut in a strike blamed on Israel on Tuesday, prompting a funeral attended by over a thousand mourners.
The funeral, marked by chants and gunfire, saw the burial of Aruri and two other Hamas members, with mourners calling for retaliation against Israel.
Israel has been accused of the attack, but has not claimed responsibility amid ongoing tensions and violence since the Gaza war began.
Senior Hamas leader killed – The funeral of Saleh al-Aruri, a high-ranking member of Hamas, was held in Beirut, drawing over a thousand mourners. Al-Aruri, along with five other members of the Palestinian militant group, was killed in a strike in the Lebanese capital, an action widely attributed to Israel.
The funeral was a significant event, reflecting the deep respect and influence Aruri held within Hamas. His death marks a major incident in the ongoing conflict, as Aruri was the most senior Hamas figure to be killed since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7.
Expansion of conflict feared – The strike that killed Aruri represents a significant escalation in the already tense situation between Israel and Hamas. While Israel has not officially taken responsibility, the strike is consistent with their broader strategy in the ongoing conflict. The tension has been high since the Gaza war began, with both sides suffering casualties.
The high number of civilian deaths, particularly in Gaza, has exacerbated the situation, leading to near-daily exchanges of fire and heightened regional instability. The strike in Beirut, a rare occurrence since the war’s beginning, signifies a potential expansion of the conflict zone, involving more regional players like Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Close to 100 people died in a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in central Japan’s Ishikawa region on New Year’s Day, with 242 people reported missing and thousands of rescuers facing challenges such as aftershocks and landslides.
In Wajima, one of the hardest-hit cities, authorities struggle with widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings and infrastructure damages.
The quake, which also caused power and water outages, is part of an increasing trend of seismic activity in the Noto region, reminiscent of Japan’s recent history with devastating earthquakes, including the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Ongoing rescue efforts – Thousands of rescuers from across Japan remain engaged in a desperate search-and-rescue operation in the aftermath of the earthquake. They are contending with a challenging landscape reshaped by the tremor, including aftershocks and landslides, which severely hinder their efforts to reach stranded communities and locate potential survivors.
Structural damages – Wajima, located on the Noto Peninsula, is among the areas most severely affected by the earthquake and has left the city grappling with extensive damage. Numerous buildings and infrastructure have collapsed, leaving behind a scene of devastation characterised by burnt-out cars, destroyed structures, and fallen telegraph poles. The destruction has profoundly disrupted the lives of the residents, many of whom are struggling to envision a path to recovery amidst the chaos.
Quakes on the rise – The earthquake is believed to be part of a growing pattern of seismic activity in the Noto region, which has seen an increase in both the strength and frequency of earthquakes over the past five years. The impact of the quake extends beyond the immediate physical damage; it has caused significant disruptions in basic utilities, with around 30,000 households without electricity and nearly 90,000 homes lacking water access.
The disaster evokes memories of Japan’s tragic 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which led to thousands of deaths and the Fukushima nuclear crisis. Japan’s history and ongoing struggle with earthquakes highlight the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, despite its stringent building codes and disaster preparedness measures.
Business & Tech – SpaceX on Thursday went to court to try to derail a US National Labor Relations Board hearing over complaints by workers who say they were fired for criticising chief executive Elon Musk.
Science & Environment – US car maker Tesla has lost its crown for most sales of all-electric vehicles to Chinese firm BYD, which has capitalised on Beijing’s strong government support for the burgeoning sector.https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/a/2066108.html
Entertainment – Acclaimed rapper Snoop Dogg will be a special reporter for US broadcaster NBC at the Paris Olympics this year, the network has announced, reprising a star turn at the Tokyo Games that delighted viewers.
Voucher reform – As of 1 January 2024, Luxembourg’s meal vouchers will go up in value to €15 and move to a digital format.
End-of-year honours – Sport historian Georges Klepper and CGDIS member Jakkie Paulus have been named Luxembourgers of the Year 2023.https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/a/2066108.html
Impressive footage – Lux-Airport has released behind-the-scenes footage of its colossal runway renovation, which concluded in 2022.
Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.
