Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg;
Credit: © SIP / Claude Piscitelli
On the afternoon of Friday 25 October 2024, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden held a press briefing summarising what was discussed at the latest Government Council (cabinet) meeting held earlier that day.
He mentioned subjects ranging from preventative healthcare (including breast cancer screening) and the upcoming smartphone ban in schools to social dialogue and measures to fight poverty, as well as developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Prime Minister also announced the appointment of Sasha Baillie as the next Marshal of the Grand Ducal Court (as of 1 March 2025), which the cabinet ratified on Friday.
The cabinet also approved the draft Grand Ducal regulation on the proposed smartphone ban in schools. Prime Minister Frieden explained that this measure was aimed at encouraging students to interact more with their colleagues and teachers (as part of a healthier "screen-life balance"), rather than being a restrictive ban.
On social dialogue, he stressed that this was "extremely important" for the Luxembourg government, even if disagreements occur. Democracy is based on different opinions, he added, hinting at the recently reported disagreement between the Labour Minister and trade unions. He also mentioned the value of discussing subjects such as the modernisation of work organisation (e.g. Sunday working hours for shops) together with business representatives and unions.
Prime Minister Frieden noted that the government was looking at ways to combat poverty. Foreseen measures include the automatic payment of the cost-of-living benefit and energy allowance for those who are eligible (rather than having them request the allowances) from the start of 2025.
He also mentioned the current debate on using the Luxembourgish language in an international context. The issue was raised recently by Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser (ADR) who addressed the European Parliament in Luxembourgish, even though this is not an official EU language. Prime Minister Frieden assured that the government is "extremely attached" to the national language, but that it was important to speak in a language that others understand, particularly in an international context. He added that it was not "realistic" to translate all EU documents into Luxembourgish (from a cost perspective, etc.).
On the current geopolitical context, the Prime Minister noted that Luxembourg continues to stand with Ukraine, where the situation is "difficult", and to support a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and a two-state solution leading to stability and peace in the Middle East, where the situation is also "complex". He noted that Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel will travel to Israel and Palestine next week, with the subject to be discussed further at the first cabinet meeting following his return. He also mentioned Luxembourg's recent decision to contribute €4 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon.
In addition, Luxembourg will continue to participate in the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, he confirmed.
Prime Minister Frieden later also commented on recent reports that NGOs have been receiving fewer donations since the Caritas embezzlement scandal broke. He stressed the importance of continuing to support the "remarkable work" being carried out by local non-profit organisations at home and abroad.
