DEMO FOR CEASEFIRE - A demonstration demanding a definitive ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took place in the city last night. The demonstrators walked from the train station to Hamilius with candles and torches. Members and sympathisers of Amnesty International together with other partner organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children, Oxfam, and Avaaz demonstrated in Luxembourg as well as in other countries to emphasise that, with every passing day, more innocent civilians are dying and the humanitarian disaster gets worse.
BEGGING BAN - The so-called begging ban is the central topic of the Chamber today, in a topical debate requested by the opposition party, the LSAP. Other subjects include taxation on petrol, alcohol and tobacco.
EUROBAROMETER SURVEY - According to the latest poll by Eurobarometer, housing and inflation are the biggest concerns among Luxembourg residents. However, 9 out of 10 respondents rate the general situation in the country as good.
VIRUS EPIDEMIC - Luxembourg is facing an epidemic as Covid-19, flu and other respiratory infections are rapidly spreading through the population. The authorities are aware of the high number of infections since laboratories are still obligated to forward their figures to the National Health Directorate. At the same time, hospitalisations due to Covid-19 remain comparatively low.
ROYAL BABY - Princess Alexandra and her husband, Nicolas Bagory are anticipating the arrival of their first child in the spring of 2024. The princess is the fourth child and only daughter of the grand-ducal couple. With the birth of this baby, Grand Duke Henri will become a grandfather for the 7th time.
ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR - Israel faces another round of global pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza today, with another vote in the UN Security Council. The last bid was vetoed by the United States. UK Foreign Minister David Cameron is also due to meet French and Italian leaders today to push for a “sustainable ceasefire” in the conflict. Meanwhile, intense fighting continues in the Gaza Strip. At least 20 people are said to have been killed by Israeli bombardments near Rafah. And the humanitarian situation continues to cause concern. Practically the entire population, over two million people are on the run - with barely any water, food or medical care.
CHINA EARTHQUAKE - At least 118 people were killed and over 500 injured when an earthquake collapsed buildings in northwest China. The quake brought homes crashing down and caused other significant damage. In some places there is no water and no electricity. According to the state news agency Xinhua, the earthquake had a strength of 6.2.
RED SEA CRISIS - The United States has strengthened its military cooperation with other countries in the Red Sea. It is a reaction to attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant ships. The Houthi rebels are supported by Iran, and have been targeting ships with ties to Israel. In addition to the United States, the maritime security initiative also includes Great Britain, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
VOLCANO ERUPTION - A volcano in Iceland has erupted, with geysers of molten lava shooting into the pitch-black night sky after weeks of seismic activity. The area around the volcano has been evacuated.
FOOTBALL - The draw for the last 16 of this season’s UEFA Champions League was held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland yesterday. Holders Manchester City were handed a tie against FC Copenhagen. The first legs will take place in mid-February with the return matches in March.
Last season’s Europa League runners-up Roma will meet Feyenoord in a third campaign in a row after the teams were drawn together in the knockout round play-offs. This season’s Europa League final will be played in Dublin on May 22.
SKIING - Marco Odermatt powered to his third straight giant slalom win this season, extending his overall World Cup lead after dominating in Alta Badia. Odermatt became the first man to reel off six successive World Cup giant slalom wins, surpassing the runs of five in a row by Marcel Hirscher and Ingemar Stenmark.
Expect low clouds and fog throughout the day today, with some rain forecast during the afternoon. Isolated sleet showers are also possible in the afternoon, particularly in northern Luxembourg. Temperatures will start off chilly, at -1 - 1°C in the morning, rising to 2-4°C in the afternoon.
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