DELHAIZE FRANCHISE - The OGBL union has said that franchising Delhaize stores in Luxembourg is not an option, following the announcement that all 128 Belgian stores will be converted into franchises. These stores will therefore no longer belong to the group, but to independent traders. Around 100 stores in Belgium stayed closed yesterday in protest.
HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS - The Ministry of Finance has released a document that shows how much various households can save in taxes as a result of the fiscal measures included in the new tripartite agreement. As part of the deal, the government and social partners have introduced several fiscal measures to relieve households, including a short-term tax credit, an increase in the ceiling on deductible interest, and an adjustment of the tax table to inflation from January 2024.
COVID INCREASE - The National Health Directorate has recorded another significant increase in Covid-19 cases last week. Between 27 February and 5 March 2023, the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 increased from 1,409 cases the previous week to 1,606 cases, an increase of 14%. There was one new death related to Covid-19. The deceased was 94 years old. The number of influenza cases also increased from 304 to 318, an increase of 4.6% compared to the previous week.FRANCO-BRITISH SUMMIT - French President Macron receives British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today, for the 36th Franco-British summit. Macron is set to reject the UK government’s plan for returning small boat migrants. It is the first bilateral summit since 2018 and marks an effort to ease relations between the two countries, which have been strained by Brexit and disputes over the Channel crossings.
BELGIUM STRIKE - A nationwide strike of public workers and transport staff is taking place across Belgium today, which will also have a big impact on connections to Luxembourg. The intercity services between Luxembourg city and Brussels have all been cancelled and train lines in Kleinbettingen, Arlon, Rodange and Athus will be affected. Please check the CFL website for information.
CHINA XI - Xi Jinping has been handed a third term as Chinese president earlier today, capping a rise that has seen him become the country’s most powerful leader in generations. The appointment by China’s parliament comes after Xi locked in another five years as head of the Chinese Communist Party in October. A major restructuring in the Chinese government is expected for the weekend. The new prime minister will probably be Li Qiang, who is considered a close friend of Xi Jinping.
OSCARS - The Oscars take place on Sunday, with two big questions on everyone’s lips: Will anyone get slapped? And can a wacky sci-fi featuring hot dog fingers and butt plugs really win best picture? While the answer to the first question is likely no -- Academy chiefs have a “crisis team” in place after Will Smith’s misadventures last year -- the overwhelming response to the latter seems to be yes. Multiverse sci-fi smash “Everything Everywhere All at Once” tops the list with 11 nominations, followed by Irish dark comedy “The Banshees of Inisherin” and World War I flick “All Quiet on the Western Front” at nine. “
FOOTBALL – In the Europe League round of 16, results include Union St Gilloise drawing 3-3 with Union Berlin, Manchester United beat Real Betis 4-1. It was a 2-2 draw between Sporting and Arsenal, Leverkusen won 2-0 against Budapest and Juventus beat Freiburg 1-0.
CYCLING – It was the 5th stage yesterday in the Paris-Nice. It was won in the mass sprint by Dutchman Olaf Kooij. Tadej Pogacar remains the leader in the general and Luxembourgish cyclist Bob Jungels is in 18th place. Today, on the 6th day, it’s almost 200, very hilly kilometers.
SWIMMING - The 54th edition of the CIJ Meet in swimming is taking place this weekend in the Coque here in Kirchberg. More than 600 swimmers from 10 countries are participating in this youth competition and the fact that you can qualify for the world championship in Japan this summer is a special incentive for every athlete.
After snowfall caused chaos on the Grand Duchy’s roads on Wednesday, Météolux has now forecast wind gusts and rainfall for today. According to the weather station at Findel Airport, they could reach up to 75 km/h. This will be combined with rainfall of varying intensity depending on where you are in the Grand Duchy. Temperatures will remain close to 0°C in the morning, before rising to around 10°C in the afternoon.
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