CRASH INQUIRY - An inquiry has been launched following the lorry crash on the A1 on the 22nd of September, which resulted in the death of a driver and left others with severe injuries. The prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with a view to establishing whether the incident caused involuntary manslaughter and bodily harm. When questioned by RTL, the prosecutor confirmed there were eyewitnesses to the crash, but could not offer further details prior to the official inquiry.
POSTER DEFILED - A complaint has been filed after an election poster featuring a picture of Green Party candidate Sam Tanson was vandalised, with a hole - akin to a gun shot - being placed on the head of the minister. The Green Party published their reaction to the incident on their Facebook page for the Northern district, writing of their shock and concern at the defacement of the poster, stating, “This is a hate-incitement that has reached a whole new level.” On Monday at noon, party members met to discuss the follow-up to this incident, where they have decided to file an official complaint.
PURCHASING POWER - Despite considerable inflation, calculations from the national statistics agency STATEC show that the real disposable income per person has increased to €1,839 since 2019. However, their analysis also shows that the revenue increase through indexation has not been enough to cover the loss of purchasing power due to significant inflation. Analysing the situation per household, Statec comes to the same conclusion. Over the past four years purchasing power rose despite inflation. This is true, on average, for all Luxembourgish households but also on average for the different revenue categories.
ONGOING CONFLICT - Envoys from Baku and Yerevan prepared to meet in Brussels for talks on Tuesday as thousands of refugees fled Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s lightning takeover of the majority ethnic Armenian enclave. Last week, an offensive by Baku’s forces established Azerbaijani control over the breakaway region, forcing ethnic Armenian fighters to disarm. Tuesday’s meeting in Brussels will be the first such encounter since the offensive but the leaders of both countries are scheduled to meet next month.
NIGER COUP - The United States said on Monday it will “evaluate” its next steps on the crisis in Niger after France announced a full troop withdrawal, as demanded by the nation’s military coup leaders. France fields 1,500 soldiers in Niger as part of an anti-jihadist deployment in the Sahel region, with the United States fielding 1,100 of their own military personnel. Speaking to reporters in Nairobi, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, “While we give diplomacy a chance, we will also continue to evaluate any future steps that would prioritise both our diplomatic and security goals.”
EMISSIONS VOTE - EU member countries on Monday adopted a watered-down deal on curbing car emissions, after auto manufacturers complained stricter measures could undermine electric vehicle investments. Led by France and Italy, the 27 nations voted for a less ambitious plan than the one put forward by the European Commission in November 2022. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association cautiously welcomed the decision but groups calling for cleaner transport rules called it a disappointment.
SPANISH INAUGURATION - Lawmakers on Tuesday begin debating Alberto Nunez-Feijoo’s bid to become Spain’s next prime minister, a day before an inauguration vote the right-wing opposition leader is almost certain to lose. Despite winning the most votes in July’s inconclusive election, the Popular Party leader has no majority to form a government and, barring surprises, will face defeat. If his bid fails, it will pave the way for outgoing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to try his hand at an inauguration vote, which he believes he can pass with support from a hardline Catalan separatist party cast in the role of kingmaker.
ASIAN GAMES - In swimming, Olympic and world silver medallist Siobhan Haughey breezed into the 100m freestyle final on Tuesday - with a time of 54.27 seconds - as she looks to back-up her recent dominant 200m swim. But Asian Games defending champion Rikako Ikee will not be challenging her. The Japanese swimmer had been scheduled to race but the standout performer at the last Asian Games, where she won six golds, failed to start.
RYDER CUP - Luke Donald said on Monday that he hopes passionate home support can make the difference for Europe in the Ryder Cup this weekend as the United States try to break a three-decade winless streak on the opposing side of the Atlantic Ocean. The USA’s last win in Europe came in 1993 and Donald is hoping to maintain that unbeaten home run after a record-breaking 19-9 win for the Americans at Whistling Straits two years ago. Thousands of European fans will be present when the tournament tees off on Friday at the Marco Simone course just outside Rome.
More mysterious mist will linger with a slight chill this morning, before giving way to sunshine and warmer conditions by midday. Expect a foggy start as today gets going, but the mist will clear by the end of the morning. Clear skies and sunshine are on the menu for the rest of the day!
The morning’s temperatures will start off at a chilly 7-9°C, rising to highs of 20-22°C in the afternoon, before dropping to 12-14°C in the evening.
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