Local & National Daily News Round-up

FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER

The Chamber of Deputies has approved the 2025 state budget, passing it with the 35 lawmakers of the governing CSV and DP in favour. The 25 opposition MPs voted against. The budget focuses on social cohesion, sustainable growth, and investments in housing, mobility and public infrastructure. Corporate tax reductions and initiatives to attract talent are aimed at boosting growth. Finance Minister Gilles Roth described the plan as a “sustainable and social financial policy” with the goal of enhancing purchasing power and prosperity. Roth projected a 2024 deficit below €500 million. Opposition parties have criticized the lack of a clear economic roadmap and insufficient housing measures.

The Press Council has criticized a new clause in agreements between the city of Luxembourg and the new aid organization "Hëllef um Terrain" (HUT), the follow-up of Caritas. The clause mandates that HUT coordinates any public communications about social aid projects in the capital with city authorities beforehand. The Press Council argues this violates freedom of expression and press freedom, urging the city to revise the agreements without the clause. Mayor Lydie Polfer responded, stating the city seeks joint communication on projects but allows differing perspectives. Opposition parties, including déi Gréng, LSAP, and déi Lénk, have also condemned the clause. Further discussions are expected following today’s city council meeting.

Luxembourg motorists may soon be allowed fully personalised number plates under a proposed law inspired by Belgium's system. In Belgium, plates can be customised for €1,000, generating €13 million last year from 13,000 orders. Currently, Luxembourg only allows limited customisation for €50. The CSV-DP government had pledged to expand choices in its coalition agreement. Transport Minister Yuriko Backes announced that "intensive work" on the law is underway, aiming to allow free personalisation similar to Belgium’s model. She shared this update in response to LSAP deputies Ben Polidori and Yves Cruchten's parliamentary query.

Property sales have surged in the third quarter, according to the Housing Observatory. Sales of existing houses rose with 44% and apartments with 64%, compared to the third quarter of 2023. However, new property sales dropped significantly, with only 144 transactions. Rental prices rose 3.6% year-on-year but declined slightly since the 2nd quarter. Prices for furnished room rentals increased by 4.5%.