Germany extends lockdown measures

Chancellor Angela Merkel late on Monday announced Germany would extend lockdown measures until 18 April, reversing a gradual reopening of the economy agreed earlier this month. The decision comes after a rising number of infections with the B.1.1.7 (or UK) variant, now dominant. All non-essential shops will close on 1 April for five days. Other businesses, such as restaurants or gyms, will close until 18 April. Sources: Bloomberg, DW, Reuters.

China, EU impose sanctions on each other

The EU on Monday agreed sanctions against four Chinese officials and one entity over their involvement in human rights abuses against the Muslim Uyghur minority. China swiftly responded with its own set of sanctions against ten EU citizens, including five members of the European Parliament, and several research institutions and think tanks. The EU sanctions are the first against China since the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Sources: DW, Politico, Reuters, Euronews.

Factory fire deepens computer chip crisis

A fire at the factory of one of the car industry’s biggest computer chip suppliers, Renesas, is adding to automakers’ supply chain woes. Shares in the company fell along with Toyota, Nissan and Honda after Renesas said the fire would have a “massive impact” on its ability to fulfil orders. Sources: BBC, FT, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg.  

Polish writer charged over Duda insult

Writer and journalist Jakub Zulczyk faces up to three years in prison for calling president Andrzej Duda a moron in a Facebook post during the US elections last November. Duda had congratulated Donald Trump on his election win. “Joe Biden is the 46th president of the USA,” Zulczyk wrote, adding: “Andrzej Duda is a moron.” Poland has made it a crime to insult state leaders and religion, and prosecutors deemed the post offensive and unacceptable. Source: BBC.

10 killed in Colorado shooting

Ten people, including a police officer, were killed at a mass shooting at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, on Monday. The suspect was taken into custody and treated for injuries, officials said. The incident took place just days after a series of shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, which killed eight people on 16 March. Police said an investigation into the shooting was underway but have not yet spoken on a possible motive. Sources: CNN, Reuters, CNBC, BBC.

Israel holds 4th election in two years

Israel on Tuesday heads to the polls in the fourth national election in two years. Prime minister Benjamin Netanhayu is seeking another term is office. He pleaded not guilty in a corruption trial in February. Polls suggest no party is likely to gain a majority in parliament. Netanyahu’s coalition with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party collapsed last year. Sources: Haaretz, Al Jazeera, New York Times, BBC.

Saudi Arabia proposes Yemen ceasefire

To end the six-year conflict in Yemen, Saudi Arabia on Monday offered a UN-monitored country-wide ceasefire to Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The proposal would also lift some blockades, allowing for fuel and food imports. Both sides had previously been stepping up attacks. The US welcomed the initiative although a Houthi official appeared to dismiss it as “not new or serious” via social media. Sources: CNN, FT, Al Jazeera, AP.

Goldman responds to work culture complaints

David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, has responded to a report by junior bankers claiming “inhumane” working conditions of up to 100 hours a week, bullying and an environment affecting their mental and physical health. Solomon said the complaints would be taken “very seriously” and that the company would work to strengthen a rule stating junior staff should not be expected to be in the office on Saturdays. Sources: Bloomberg, CNN, The Guardian, FT.

Covid-19 tax proposal falls flat

Senior coalition partner DP has said talks about a covid-19 tax aren’t on the agenda. The idea to tax the winners of the crisis had been mooted by deputy prime minister Dan Kersch (LSAP) over the weekend. Déi Gréng, however, showed support for the plan but said it would have to be agreed by all three coalition partners. Source: Paperjam.

Latest Luxembourg covid-19 update

Health authorities on Monday reported 80 new coronavirus infections, out of 911 tests carried out on Sunday. One more person died after testing positive for Sars-CoV-2, bringing the pandemic death toll to 719. On Sunday, 122 people were being treated in hospital (up from 121 the day before), including 20 patients in intensive care (stable). Source: Health ministry.

Government to speak on care home deaths

Luxembourg’s family and integration minister Corinne Cahen on Tuesday morning is hosting a press conference to speak about coronavirus deaths at a care home in Niederkorn. The CSV opposition in parliament last week had called for an inquiry after 28 people reportedly died at the “Um Lauterbann” facility since the start of the year. Source: Delano.

Luxembourg unemployment stable

The grand duchy’s unemployment rate was stable at 6.3% in February compared to 6.4% in January. However, year-on-year the number of jobseekers grew 17% while the number of advertised positions shrank 13%. There were 19,476 jobseekers registered with job agency Adem last month. Source: Delano, Paperjam, Adem.

Grand duchy world’s 8th happiest country

Luxembourg ranked eighth in the latest World Happiness Report, ahead of its neighbours Belgium (20), France (21) and Germany (13). However, pollsters didn’t interview residents for the global survey last year and based criteria on 2018-2019 results together with 2020 economic data, such as joblessness or reduced working hours, but also deaths. Source: Paperjam, World Happiness Report.

ICYMI: Thai sniffer dogs can detect covid-19

Sniffer dogs being trained in Thailand to detect coronavirus in human sweat are 95% accurate, researchers at Chulalongkorn University say. A pilot project aims to use the dogs in public places, for example at airports or public transport hubs to sniff out infected individuals. Dogs detected cases even from asymptomatic patients. Sources: Reuters, Independent, Bangkok Post.

Spiders swarm Australia homes in floods

As if once-in-a-century flooding wasn’t terrifying enough, homes in New South Wales are being invaded by swarms of spiders scrambling for safety. People have been posting photos and videos on social media of the arachnids seeking higher ground as record-breaking floods have been wreaking havoc along Australia’s coast. Sources: CNN, BBC, The Guardian, Sky.  

Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Cordula Schnuer