Luxembourg: planned 2013 budget provides for new cuts to social spending

Aiming for balance.  Following criticism from a majority of MPs, Jean-Claude Juncker administration amended the planned budget presented in October.  MPs from the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) were blaming the government for trying forgetting the objective of budget balance set out for 2014.  At the same time, they found out that deficit prospects – initially €415 million for the first 2012 quarter announced before the summer – now amounted to €1.65 billion for the year, i.e. “a deviation of €250-300m” from the commitments made with the European Union, CSV leader Michel Volter reminded.  In the end, the new reduced budget cuts spending by €538, yielding €414 million, which will mostly come from the solidarity tax – increasing to 7 percent for families.  For their part, businesses will have to pay minimum annual taxes of €500-20,000 depending on their size.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

budget cuts spending by €538, yielding €414 million, which will mostly come from the solidarity tax – increasing to 7 percent for families. For their part, businesses will have to pay minimum annual taxes of €500-20,000 depending on their size.

Cuts. Unions are angry because the plan suspends the adjustment of pensions to 2009 and 2010 wages starting next January, even though the pension insurance has €12 billion in reserve. The suspension will also apply to the 18,000 people earning guarante

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...