PROTEST RUSSIAN EMBASSY – The Russian opposition had called for a global protest yesterday. At 12pm sharp, all those opposing Putin’s regime were urged to protest in front of their respective polling stations, not only to voice their discontent with the current political situation but also to create long queues. In Luxembourg, numerous Russian citizens also responded to the call. In the span of only half an hour, the queue in front of the embassy not only doubled, but increased fivefold.
EUROPEAN ELECTIONS – From today you can apply for the postal vote for the European elections on June 9. Details and forms can be found at myguichet.lu as well as on the websites of various municipalities.
All of Luxembourg’s political parties are ramping up their campaigns for the elections. The LSAP, the Socialists, on Sunday held their national congress in Mamer. Marc Angel, the lead candidate emphasised that their adversaries are the conservatives and the far-right, who have been gaining ground both in Europe and in Luxembourg. Meanwhile the ADR has a clear mission: a fight against ‘wokeness’. The party sees itself as the big winner in the Luxembourgish political landscape.
CNS DELAYS – The Minister of Health has addressed the continuous delays in patient reimbursements, explaining that the National Health Fund (CNS) is plagued by “persistent recruitment issues” and a “constant increase in the number of claims to be processed.” In a reply to a parliamentary question from Mars di Bartolomeo (LSAP), Health Minister Martine Deprez explains that there is a current processing time “of between six and eight weeks”.
RESCUE LIONS – Two lion brothers, rescued from the conflict in Ukraine, have safely arrived at their new home in South Africa, with a stopover in Luxembourg. On 9 March, Tsar and Jamil embarked on an over 8,000-kilometer journey from their temporary home in Belgium to their new “forever home” at the Born Free sanctuary in the South African Shamwari private reserve. The first step involved a drive to Luxembourg airport, followed by a flight to Johannesburg, courtesy of Cargolux as part of its partnership with Born Free.
RUSSIAN ELECTIONS – Vladimir Putin said he will prioritise what he calls the special military operation in Ukraine after he claimed victory in the Russian Presidential election. He said the result demonstrated people’s trust in Russia’s current path. But the vote has been condemned as a sham by western nations.
EU FOREIGN AFFAIRS – The Russian Presidential election and the situation in Ukraine are also topics in Brussels today at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. They will also discuss the war in the Gaza Strip. Luxembourg is represented by Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will join by video conference.
ISRAEL-GAZA WAR – The Israeli military has launched what it called a precise operation in parts of the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza city. Eye witnesses reported hearing gunshots and explosions. A military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari claimed Hamas were using the hospital as a command centre. He said care was being taken to protect patients there. Hamas said Israel were once again violating international law.
NORTH KOREA MISSILES – North Korea has fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles earlier today, coinciding with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to South Korea. Analysts believe it aims to draw attention amid heightened tensions following joint US-South Korea military drills.
FOOTBALL – In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen won 3-2 against Freiburg. Borussia Dortmund beat Frankfurt 3-1. In France, Paris St Germain beat Montpellier 6-2 and Metz lost 1-2 to Reims. In the quarter finals of the FA Cup in England, Manchester United eliminated Liverpool 4-3 after extra time. And in the top match in Italy, InterMilan drew 1-1 with Napoli.
TENNIS – World number two Carlos Alcaraz cruised home in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 victory over Daniil Medvedev yesterday to win a second straight Indian Wells ATP title. Iga Swiatek beat Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-0 to win the women’s game for the second time.
After a heavy downpour in the early morning hours, the skies will gradually clear. As the morning progresses, we can look forward to a glimpse of the sun and partly cloudy skies. But don’t get too cosy yet, because clouds will roll back in as the afternoon wears on, accompanied by a slight chance of showers. Morning temperatures will range from 5–8°C, rising to 12–15°C in the afternoon.
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