About this Episode
The EU proposed banning social media for children under 13, with limited supervised access until 15, part of measures unveiled by Ursula von der Leyen. Luxembourg MEPs gave mixed reactions: CSV’s Isabel Wiseler-Lima and DP/LSAP MEPs welcomed the move and applauded shifting the burden of proof onto platforms, while Greens and the right-wing ADR warned bans are easy to circumvent, risk anonymity loss through age checks, and could enable censorship. France’s earlier under-15 law was struck down on free-expression grounds.
A disciplinary panel found former head of criminal investigation department, Steve Schmitz, guilty of falsifying working hours but cleared him of bullying. The board recommended a €6,000 fine, yet no sanction was imposed because the Home Affairs Ministry had already approved his resignation and pension in September of last year —an action that voided any ongoing disciplinary proceedings. Criminal charges were previously dropped after a public prosecutor’s warning. The ministry failed to check with the police watchdog about pending proceedings before signing off, allowing Schmitz to avoid discipline despite the board’s finding.
Dr Chris Roller, president of the Luxembourg Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD), says doctors have lost trust in government healthcare reforms and refused to sign a new convention they view as out of touch with reality. He accused the National Health Fund (CNS) and Health Minister Martine Deprez of over-regulating private practice, favoring costly hospitals, and blocking innovations — causing long waits for routine tests and procedures. The AMMD terminated the existing convention. Talks continue but have yielded little. With negotiations stalled, the association sees a looming Grand-ducal regulation as “state medicine.” Roller urged dialogue to protect patients but warned meaningful change is unlikely without government willingness to compromise.
