Prime minister Xavier Bettel (DP) and health minister Paulette Lenert (LSAP) have said that Luxembourg has managed to avoid an overload on health services and praised the public for acting responsibly during confinement. Looking at statistics from 24 March, over 224 new infections were reported in a 24-hour period. On Wednesday that had been reduced to just 11 new infections. The Delano journalists explained what people can and can’t do as of 11 May when the next phase of deconfinement begins and the trio discussed the concerns many have with going back to work or sending their young children to school.

Aaron Grunwald then talked about the impact on the economy and in particular Luxembourg’s investment fund industry. He explained that the strict confinement period between mid-March and mid-April, has taken about 25% off the Luxembourg economy, according to Statec. Overall the economy is expected to shrink between 6% and 12% in 2020 and rebound by roughly 7% in 2021. Also, 57% of employees were on the short-time working scheme as of 28 April. Grunwald also cited a Fitch ratings agency report that 76 European mutual funds suspended redemptions and that half of those were domiciled in the grand duchy.

Finally, the show covered the parliamentary vote approving the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada. The CSV walked out of the chamber and protests were held outside. Duncan Roberts talked about how strange it was that the Green party supported the bill, and the CSV abstained, when their positions had been clear at a European parliament vote on Ceta in 2017.

The Delano team rounded off their segment of the show by recommending a selection of upcoming (virtual) events.

Listen to the show from Thursday 7 May here:

Members of the Delano editorial team will be back on the 100,7 airwaves on 14 May. “The Jim Kent Show on Radio 100,7 with Delano” airs Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm. Listen live by tuning to 100.7 FM in Luxembourg or via livestream, or catch the programme replayed as a podcast available Fridays on Delano.