CHRISTMAS MARKET DEATH – Ten defendants will face court over the fatal Christmas Market accident at Place Guillaume in 2019, when an ice sculpture fell on two-year-old Emran, killing him instantly. Those charged include the statue’s sculptors, the Luxembourg City Tourist Office, and several city employees.
BOMMELEEËR TRIAL – Defence lawyers in the “Bommeleeër II” perjury trial have sharply criticised the original 2013 proceedings. The prosecution is demanding an 18-month sentence for former Police Secretary General Guy Stebens, accused of lying under oath.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES – The Chamber of Commerce has proposed making English Luxembourg’s fourth official language to attract young workers. The recommendation forms part of a strategy to recruit 335,000 new workers by 2040. Meanwhile, Luxembourg has completed translations of the four main EU treaties into Luxembourgish, allowing greater recognition at European level. However, Culture Minister Eric Thill says the government will not seek full official language status.
TAX REFORM – Finance Minister Gilles Roth has confirmed a single tax class will be introduced in 2028. MPs welcomed the reform for promoting fairness, though some raised concerns about funding and suggested higher earners should pay more.
PLAN AGAINST RACISM – Luxembourg has launched its first national action plan against racism, with 118 measures to combat discrimination. People of African descent face the most discrimination, particularly in education, employment, and housing.
UKRAINE WAR – Russia has rejected a revised Ukraine peace deal after five hours of talks with US envoys failed. President Putin said Russia is “ready” to fight a war in Europe, accusing European countries of trying to sabotage peace negotiations with unacceptable demands. Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel is attending the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels today, which is taking place alongside the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which coordinates military support for Ukraine.
GAZA PATIENTS – Doctors Without Borders is urging countries to accept more Gazan patients needing medical evacuation, warning over 900 people have died while waiting. The charity says more than 16,000 patients still require treatment abroad.
MACRON CHINA – French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Beijing today for talks with President Xi Jinping. He is expected to press China to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and discuss trade relations during his fourth state visit.
MALAYSIA MH370 – Malaysia will resume the search for missing flight MH370, more than a decade after the plane vanished. Ocean Infinity will conduct the deep-sea search on a “no-find, no-fee” basis.
SABRINA CARPENTER PROTEST – US singer Sabrina Carpenter condemned the White House for using her song in a video showing immigration raids, calling it “evil and disgusting”. The White House has refused to apologise, saying it would not stop deporting criminals.
GOLF – Tiger Woods says recovery from his latest back surgery in October is taking longer than expected. The 15-time major champion, who turns 50 this month, has not competed since last year’s British Open.
OLYMPICS SKIING – The Court of Arbitration for Sport has overturned a ban on Russian and Belarusian skiers, clearing them to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Similar rulings may also allow Russian bobsleigh and luge athletes to participate.
SPORTS MUSEUM – A planned sports museum in Esch has sparked political controversy, with the LSAP alleging procurement irregularities as costs have nearly doubled to 32 million euros. Sports Minister Georges Mischo has rejected all claims of wrongdoing.
We are waking up to a cloud-filled sky, and this will continue throughout the day with some rain in the afternoon too. Temperatures start with 1–4°C in the morning, warming up to a maximum of 8°C in the afternoon.
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