TAX REFORM – Luxembourg’s planned tax reform has been described as a step forward by former Tax Administration director Guy Heintz, though he warns it could leave some families worse off. From 2028, the three existing tax classes will be replaced by a single system, regardless of marital status. The reform has cleared the parliamentary Finance Committee and goes to the full Chamber for a vote on 27 October.
EDUCATION SYSTEM LACKING – Andreas Schleicher, founder and coordinator of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Studies, has criticised Luxembourg’s education system, stating it has abundant resources but lacks results. Despite spending seven times more per pupil than some other countries, outcomes are not better. Schleicher blamed an inefficient system, misleadingly high grades for weak performance, and a lack of real-world learning relevance for students.
PETROL PRICES RISE AGAIN – Petrol prices are going back up in Luxembourg. The price of SP95 will rise by 4.4 cents per litre from Friday, to €1.837, just two days after it fell by 9.5 cents. Diesel currently costs €2.057 a litre, while SP98 remains unchanged at €2.015.
EU FUEL RESERVES – European Union countries are holding an emergency meeting today over soaring diesel prices, after the United States called on European countries to release their strategic fuel reserves. Washington is also considering a ban on US diesel exports, which the EU says could have serious economic consequences as the disruption linked to the war in Iran continues to push energy costs higher.
FRANCE SPENDING CUTS – France has unveiled a 2027 budget aimed at cutting spending and reducing its deficit. The plan includes €43 billion in savings, including tighter controls on pensions, public-sector pay, and healthcare, as well as some tax rises. The government wants to cut the deficit to five percent of economic output, but faces a difficult battle to get the budget through parliament.
MUSK BACK IN US GOVERNMENT – Elon Musk is returning to the US government as co-leader of a new Pentagon study on the future of warfare. The 120-day project will examine technologies including artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics. It marks Musk’s first official government role since he left Donald Trump’s administration last year, following a public falling-out with the president. The pair have since reconciled.
NO ACQUITTAL – A US judge has rejected a request to acquit a Massachusetts woman accused of killing her three children. Lindsay Clancy’s trial ended in a mistrial last month after jurors failed to agree on a verdict. Her defense says she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible. Prosecutors have yet to decide whether to seek a retrial.
NATIONS LEAGUE – Portugal beat Denmark 4–2 despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, keeping them top of their group; Jurgen Klopp has his first win as Germany coach, a 2–0 victory over Serbia; and Ireland’s clash with Austria in Dublin was twice disrupted by pro-Palestinian protests. The match finished 2–2 and Ireland face Israel next on Sunday in Serbia.
ASIAN GAMES – Japan’s Rin Maeda has won judo gold – after a bizarre quarter-final in which her Chinese opponent was disqualified for appearing to bite her arm. Maeda went on to beat Kazakhstan’s Azhar Askhat in the final.
A misty start to Friday in Luxembourg, with some clearer spells developing later. It’s around 10°C this morning and feeling decidedly autumnal. Clouds will remain a feature throughout the day, but temperatures will stay mild, reaching between 18 and 20°C this afternoon.
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