POPULARITY SURVEY – In the latest Politmonitor survey, Prime Minister Luc Frieden has become the first sitting PM to fall outside the top 10 most popular politicians in Luxembourg. The poll, commissioned by RTL and the Luxembourg Wort, shows Frieden landing in 12th place. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel holds onto his position as the country’s most popular politician with an 80% rating in competence and sympathy.
GYNAECOLOGIST TRIAL – A Luxembourg gynaecologist has gone on trial accused of raping and sexually assaulting four former patients between 2013–2018. The defendant denies the charges, telling the court his examinations were normal procedures. The trial is expected to last one week.
GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLE – The CSV is set to complete its government reshuffle this week following Georges Mischo’s resignation. The party’s National Council meets in Strassen today to formally approve two new ministerial appointments. Marc Spautz is designated to take over the Labour portfolio, while Martine Hansen will assume responsibility for Sport. Tomorrow morning, the ministers are expected to be sworn in by Grand Duke Guillaume.
DIVORCE RATE – Luxembourg now has the world’s second-highest divorce rate, with 66% of marriages ending in separation. Only Portugal ranks higher at 71%. Experts attribute the figure to Luxembourg’s international population, professional mobility, and recent legislative changes rather than any decline in commitment.
World
FRANCE SOCIAL SECURITY – France has narrowly avoided another government crisis. The National Assembly approved the social security budget by just 13 votes. The Socialists backed Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu after the government agreed to delay pension reforms until after the 2027 presidential elections.
EU CLIMATE DEAL – The EU has agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. Negotiators from Member States and the European Parliament reached the deal, though details on emissions trading remain to be finalised. The bloc’s 2050 climate neutrality target stays in place.
UKRAINE ELECTIONS – President Zelensky says Ukraine could hold elections within two to three months. He has asked parliament to create the legal framework, as martial law currently prevents voting. The move comes after repeated questions about his legitimacy from US President Trump.
AUSTRALIA SOCIAL MEDIA BAN – Australia’s social media ban for under-16s takes effect today. Children and teenagers are now barred from platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. The government says it is aimed at limiting screen time and protecting young people’s mental health.
UK & IRELAND STORM – A severe storm is battering Ireland and western Britain with winds exceeding 150 km/h. More than 50,000 homes are without power, most flights to and from Dublin have been cancelled, and flooding has closed roads across the region
Sport
FOOTBALL – In the Champions League, Barcelona beat Frankfurt 2-1, while Liverpool won 1-0 at Inter Milan. Tonight, Real Madrid take on Manchester City, while Arsenal travel to Bruges and PSG face Athletic Bilbao.
FC Differdange head into the winter break top of the National Division, but just four points separate the top four teams. The champions are winless in five games while Atert Bissen and F91Dudelange have closed the gap, setting up the tightest title race in nearly 20 years
Weather
Expect cloudy skies all day with the odd downpour in the afternoon. Temperatures will start off at 7-9°C in the morning, rising to around 13°C in the afternoon and remaining mild into the evening.
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