Morning Roundup: Growth slips, CNS goes digital, Senate shutdown and climate court case
The Today Radio News team brings you the latest news headlines for Wednesday, 27 September.
Luxembourg
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK - In its latest report, the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies notes a challenging outlook for Luxembourg's economy in 2023. STATEC's latest report reveals a "growth overhang" of -1.1% for the year 2023, drawing on new data from the first half of the year. In its previous spring forecast, this data was not yet available and STATEC had assumed a more optimistic GDP growth rate of 1.5%. The next official economic update is not slated for release until early December. However, STATEC warns in its latest report that there are many "negative signals" in Europe for the third quarter so far.
CNS DIGITALISATION - The digitalisation of Luxembourg's Social Security system is a "small revolution," according to Christian Oberlé, President of the National Health Fund (CNS). Oberlé shared insights during a press conference on Tuesday, highlighting the extensive IT system overhaul required to enable immediate direct payments. Under the new system, doctors will receive reimbursements "directly and in one go," Oberlé explained. Additionally, the press conference shed light on the shared medical file, known as DSP, which had experienced some delays in recent years.
STUDENT REPRESENTATION - The Association of Luxembourg Student Unions (ACEL) has expressed its frustration with the lack of attention given to student concerns in electoral programmes. The union has forwarded a comprehensive list of 42 questions to various political parties, seeking clarification on key matters affecting students. The questions primarily focus on critical areas such as access to student housing, internship regulations, public transportation, and tax-related considerations during the course of study.
World
SENATE SHUTDOWN - The US Senate drafted a last-ditch short-term budget proposal on Tuesday as time was running out for Congress to avoid a partial government shutdown, though the odds of it passing the House remained slim. With just days left before the September 30th deadline, both Democratic Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer and Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell endorsed the draft, which would keep the government open until November 17. If a deal isn't reached by Saturday, hundreds of thousands of federal employees could be furloughed, curtailing a wide swath of government services.
WORLD BANK DYSFUNCTION - World Bank President Ajay Banga said Tuesday that he is working to reform "dysfunctionality" among the leadership of the development lender, and pledged to refocus its mission to better address the challenges posed by climate change. The former Mastercard chief executive told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York that the bank should alter its current twin mandate of poverty alleviation and boosting shared prosperity to include climate change. Banga's comments in New York come shortly before global leaders are due to gather for the World Bank and International Monetary Fund's (IMF) annual meetings, which will take place this year in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh.
SPEAKER RESIGNS - The speaker of Canada's parliament resigned on Tuesday, days after publicly celebrating a Ukrainian veteran who fought for the Nazis during World War II. During a visit to parliament by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky last week, Anthony Rota hailed an elderly Ukrainian immigrant from his district as a hero, prompting a standing ovation. But Rota has faced growing pressure to resign after it was revealed that the veteran had served in a Nazi-linked military unit.
CLIMATE COMPLAINT - The European Court of Human Rights begins hearing a case today, brought by six Portuguese youths against 32 nations for not doing enough to stop global warming, in the latest bid to secure climate justice through the courts. The move to file a complaint with the Strasbourg-based court was sparked by the massive wildfires that struck Portugal in 2017, killing more than 100 people and charring swathes of the country. Andre and his fellow plaintiffs say the 27 European Union member states along with Russia, Turkey, Switzerland, Norway and Britain have all failed to sufficiently limit greenhouse gas emissions, affecting their life and health.
Sports
FOOTBALL- In the UEFA Women’s Nations League, the Netherlands scored a much needed victory over England with a 2-1 win, Spain thrashed Switzerland 5 nil, whilst Wales slumped to a heavy 5-1 defeat against Denmark, and Italy lost 1-0 at home to Sweden.
In the Carabao Cup there were few surprises, with Manchester Utd. knocking out Crystal Palace by 3 goals to nil. However Championship side Ipswich town did prevail over Premier League Wolves, recording a 3-2 win to take them into the next round.
RUGBY WORLD CUP - Tonight sees Uruguay taking on Namibia with both hoping to record a victory after failing to pick up any points in their previous games.
Weather
Today begins much like yesterday, cold with localised fog and temperatures of around 9 degrees Celsius. But any mist will soon clear as the morning progresses and another clear and sunny day unfolds, with temperatures expected to peak at around 24 degrees.
