Party leaders are also discussing an increase in the minimal wage, the legalisation of cannabis and free public transport.

The DP, LSAP and Déi Gréng parties, currently in talks to form the next coalition government, will reportedly propose two additional official bank holidays which will be introduced in the coming legislative period, RTL reported (summarised by Delano’s sister site Paperjam). One of them could possibly fall on Europe Day on 9 May.

Another idea reportedly being negotiated was the LSAP’s key campaign plank: an increase in the national minimum wage by €100 a month starting 1 January. A third of the money necessary to finance this measure would come from employers and two-thirds from tax revenue, RTL said.

Currently cannabis can only be consumed legally for medical purposes in Luxembourg, but this seems about to change, 100,7 public radio reported. A team of negotiators in charge of national health issues are working on broader legalisation.

At present, free transport is reserved for all young people under 20 and students under 30 years of age, but it could become a reality for everyone, according to 100,7 and RTL. The revenue lost by this endeavour is estimated to be in the millions. It would be compensated with a reduction in the tax credit for commuting expenses, which presently can be up to €2,574 per year.

The ideas stemming from focused working groups are yet to be ratified in a plenary session for all negotiators under the aegis of Xavier Bettel, the DP prime minister designate. Two further intra-party assemblies, scheduled for 29 November and 5 December, aim to secure a consensus from the three parties on these and other issues.