STATE OF THE NATION – Lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies will debate the State of the Nation address, given by Prime Minister Luc Frieden yesterday. Frieden focused on pressing issues such as housing, tax reforms, and climate policies. He said the new government has reduced the tax table by 4 index tranches this year, which could give households €1,100 more in their pockets each year.
Most energy subsidies will be phased out next year. The price cap on electricity still remains. The state premiums for electromobility will be smaller or abolished. But there will be a new subsidy for electric used cars. And the corporation tax for companies will decrease from 17 to 16%.
EU CAPITALS – In the wake of last weekend’s European elections, the mayors of Luxembourg City, Strasbourg, and Brussels have jointly called on the EU to enhance connectivity and collaboration between their cities. Luxembourg City mayor Lydie Polfer was the only one who focused on train connections. Efforts are underway to make the train journey between Luxembourg City and Brussels more appealing to commuters. Currently, the journey takes approximately three hours by train, whereas it takes around two hours by car.
CITY BEGGING – Beggars in Luxembourg City have taken to approaching cars waiting at various intersections throughout the capital. The issue is particularly prevalent in Hollerich and around Place d’Etoile, where drivers are more likely to be waiting at red lights for a prolonged period. Police minister Léon Gloden said around 70 interventions had been carried out at the crossroads listed above over the last 12 months, but that he did not have details on the number of fines or warnings issued.
EU FINANCE – Luxembourg dominated the EU’s financial and insurance activities sector in 2021, leading in both employment share and value added, with 12.1% of its business economy workforce and 34% of its business economy value generated by this sector, according to a new Eurostat report.
KANGAROO ON THE LOOSE – An image of a kangaroo in someone’s garden began to circulate on social media yesterday, after the animal was spotted in eastern Luxembourg..The kangaroo is believed to be privately owned and is said to be well looked after in usual circumstances. It is likely to have escaped from its home following a fright. In a social media video, the kangaroo can be seen on the route between Consdorf and Müllerthal.
ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR – Hamas says it views a Gaza ceasefire deal, put forward by the US, favourably. Egypt and Qatar say they will continue mediation efforts between the Palestinian group and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he won’t end the war until Hamas is defeated.
WHO DEATHS –The World Health Organisation says alcohol, ultra-processed food, tobacco and fossil fuels kill 2.7 million people a year in Europe. It says powerful industries interfere with government policies, aimed at improving people’s health.
FED INTEREST RATES – Markets are awaiting today’s Federal Reserve interest rate decision and release of consumer price data. It is expected that the FED will leave its key interest rate at a high level, between 5.25 to 5.5% in order to keep inflation under control. Meanwhile European stock markets and the euro tumbled yesterday amid heightened political uncertainty following the weekend election results that bolstered far-right parties.
FRANCOISE HARDY DIES – The French singer/songwriter Francoise Hardy has died at the age of 80. She shot to fame in the 1960s, aged 18 with her first hit “Tous les garcons et les filles”. She produced more than 30 albums during her career and became known for often melancholy music that blended folk and pop.
ICELAND WHALING – Iceland’s government has granted a license to hunt 128 fin whales for the country’s sole whaling company amid widespread criticism of the practice.Iceland, Norway and Japan are the only three countries that allow commercial whaling despite fierce opposition from animal rights activists.
FOOTBALL – Euro 2024 tournament director Philipp Lahm hopes the event will “bring people together” at a time of division and disunity across Europe. In an interview, the 2014 World Cup-winning captain said the social impact was a major motivating factor in deciding to take on the job.
Erik ten Hag is set to remain as manager of Manchester United following a post-season performance review by club chiefs,according to British media reports. A poor second campaign for Ten Hag ended on a high note as he led United to a shock 2-1 victory in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City.
Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice for Portugal as they comfortably beat the Republic of Ireland 3-0 yesterday in their final Euro 2024 warm-up friendly.
GOLF – Two-time major champion Jon Rahm has withdrawn from the 124th US Open golf tournament due to a left foot infection. The Spanish world number eight Rahm said that it was a massive understatement to say he was disappointed.
It feels like summer really is on its way – we are almost hitting the 20 degree mark today. It will stay dry and sunny with the occasional cloud but the cloudiness could increase in the afternoon. The day will still bless us with nine hours of sun. In the morning temperatures range from 4 to 7°C, in the afternoon they can rise to 18°C.
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