Luxembourg's Prime Minister: Less taxes, less bureaucracy
In his first government statement, Luxembourg's new Prime Minister Luc Frieden promised the country's citizens less taxes and less bureaucracy. "I want to lead our country into the future in peace, freedom and prosperity," he told the Grand Duchy's parliament on Wednesday.
Frieden promised that the tax burden would fall on January 1, 2024, among other things by adjusting the tax table for everyone. Further tax cuts, especially for small and medium earners, would be added during this legislative period. In addition, tax relief is planned for housing construction, businesses and young people.
Luxembourg only works with workers from abroad: "That's why we have to make sure that our tax burden is not higher than abroad." There will still be no wealth tax for private individuals. And children will not have to pay taxes on their parents' inheritance in future either.
Following a clear victory in the parliamentary elections on October 8, Frieden's Christian Social People's Party (CSV) is leading a coalition with the liberal Democratic Party of former head of government Xavier Bettel. The CSV was previously in opposition for ten years. The new alliance has a majority of 35 of the 60 seats in parliament. Luxembourg has a population of around 660,000.
The new Prime Minister announced a review of all administrative guidelines in order to create a "more modern, citizen-friendly, digital and fast state". In the construction sector in particular, the principle of "silence means approval" will apply to the processing of applications in future. Housing construction is a key priority for the government and a "national task".
Nature conservation is important, but the legislation is "often interpreted excessively". The aim is to promote biodiversity, but this must not hinder housing construction, for example. Climate change is also a major challenge for society. However, they do not want "excessive and complicated procedures and rules" to hinder progress in other important areas, such as the construction of renewable energy plants, affordable housing or cycle paths.
"Appropriateness and efficiency of the rules" are crucial. "We want to support people and businesses instead of prescribing everything in a complicated way," said Frieden. "We want an environmental and climate policy that inspires people instead of annoying them."
Frieden said that his government would support the deepening of the European Union. Enlargement must take place in accordance with the agreed criteria, especially with regard to the rule of law. He will make his inaugural visit to the EU in Brussels next week.
The new government, led by Prime Minister Luc Frieden, will present their legislative period with further tax cuts and tax relief for specific groups, as discussed in Parliament. To ensure Luxembourg remains competitive, Frieden highlighted the importance of maintaining a lower tax burden compared to other countries, where they primarily rely on foreign workers.
During his speech, Prime Minister Frieden emphasized the need for a modern and citizen-friendly administration, along with reviewing all administrative guidelines and implementing the "silence means approval" principle in the construction sector.
Source: www.dpa.com
