The mandate had caused debate among Luxembourg residents. A draft bill prepared by the ministry of justice after the omicron variant hit the country envisioned requiring residents above the age of 50 as well as healthcare staff--who are in close contact with vulnerable persons--to get vaccinated against covid-19.

An expert group was tasked with examining the efficiency of a vaccine mandate twice. In both cases, the experts said they supported the implementation of such a law, but not in all cases.

Three criteria have to be met for the experts to consider a vaccine obligation: a more infectious variant that causes severe illness, a vaccine that works against said variant and a 100% vaccination rate among over50s. 

To apply the mandate now “would be a mistake”, stated Bettel in the chamber on 13 July. Only one of the expert group’s scenarios warranted a vaccine mandate, rendering the arguments in favour for its implementation weak, according to the prime minister.

The text was reviewed to state that only over50s--who are most at risk of developing severe symptoms--would be considered in the bill. In the healthcare sector, alternative measures--like masks, social distancing and a certificate--would provide sufficient protection.

On 8 July, the government announced that it would postpone the vote on the bill. Instead, it said, it would informally deposit the draft law to the state council and chamber of deputies, as the implementation of the mandate would send out the wrong message to citizens.

Bettel reminded deputies that if a mandate was put in place, citizens would not be forced to get a shot. He also added that “even if there isn’t a vaccine mandate, people still should get inoculated.” 

Currently, the vaccination rate in Luxembourg stagnates around the 78% mark. Over 30,000 residents who are 50 or older have yet to get the jab.

Deputies will debate the government’s decision on 14 July.