In conversation with RTL Radio on Tuesday, former Labour and Civil Service Minister Dan Kersch of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) questioned why the State of the Nation address was being held on Tuesday, rather than after the tripartite talks. Either PM Luc Frieden would say nothing of substance, in which case there would be no need for a State of the Nation address, or he would pre-empt the negotiations, Kersch argued. That, he said, would send a poor signal for social dialogue.
Kersch said action was urgently needed on housing. Among other measures, he proposed that the state should provide guarantees for mortgages. If families were no longer able to pay their debts, the state could take over the property, become its owner, and rent it back to those affected, he said. He also called for the public sector's right of first refusal – priority right to purchase land – to be strengthened, so that land does not end up exclusively in the hands of major developers.
With the economy slowing, revenues are falling while spending continues to rise. Asked whether he expected PM Luc Frieden to announce savings measures, Kersch said saving money was important, particularly in defence, where Luxembourg should not simply rearm aimlessly because US President Donald Trump demands it. Above all, however, Luxembourg's tax policy needed to be reorganised, he said, adding that a tax reform to relieve the middle class was necessary.
We got a good glimpse into the likes and dislikes - musically - of Tom tonight. Not a fan of the new Strokes track, but cannot get enough of Olivia Dean!!
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