Half-time for coalition negotiations

(CS/DS) Luxembourg could have a new government in less than three weeks if all goes to plan, the coalition parties revealed on Thursday as they outlined the schedule for the upcoming rounds of negotiations.

On Thursday, the coalition partners met to discuss unemployment, which will be a top priority of the next government, “formateur” Xavier Bettel commented. A special focus will be on tackling youth and long-term unemployment, as well as restructuring unemployment office the ADEM in order for it to be ready to meet the demands of a challenging labour market.

Foreign affairs were also on the table on Thursday, with the upcoming EU summit in December expected to address the taxation of savings, and Luxembourg looking to speak with Switzerland on the issue before making any final decisions.

Meeting with Grand Duke requested

On Monday next week the DP, LSAP and “déi Gréng” will receive working group reports on the economy, energy, finances, agriculture and the environment.

There will then be further plenary sessions on November 23 and 24, where the coalition partners will discuss housing, health and social affairs, as well as the judiciary, administrative reforms and the public sector.

The last meetings are scheduled to take place on November 29, one month after the first meetings on October 29, and the three coalition partners hope to be able to present an agreement to their respective parties for a vote on December 3.

The government together with the parliament could be operational by mid-December.

Bettel has, in the meantime, requested a meeting with Grand Duke Henri to coordinate the schedule.