Your Weekly Recap for 5–9 May 2025.
Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:
- Robert Francis Prevost elected as Pope Leo XIV
- Turkish investor withdraws offer for Liberty Steel in Dudelange
- CSV leads Sunday Poll, coalition still holds majority
- Rehazenter Luxembourg temporarily halts treatment for children
- Tensions escalate between India and Pakistan
1. Robert Francis Prevost elected as Pope Leo XIV
For the first time in history, an American will lead the Catholic Church: Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV.
- Who is the new pope? We take a brief look at Prevost's life and work.
- World leaders have congratulated the new Pontiff, hoping for guidance and unity in a tense global environment.
Habemus Papam – Tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to celebrate the election of Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, following the announcement marked by white smoke from the Sistine Chapel and the ringing of bells across Rome. Prevost, who succeeds Pope Francis, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, smiling, waving, and offering a blessing to the crowd.
The event, filled with euphoria, saw people from around the world cheering, waving flags, and recording the historic moment. Prevost’s election followed a secret conclave that began with cardinals' votes the previous day, and he now faces the challenge of uniting the Church and addressing ongoing global issues, including the fallout from the sexual abuse scandal.
Meet the Pope – Robert Francis Prevost is the first Augustinian pope and the second Pontiff from the Americas. Born in Chicago in 1955, he joined the Augustinian Order in 1977, later studying Canon Law in Rome and becoming a priest in 1982. He spent significant time in Peru as a missionary, where he held various leadership roles, including prior, formation director, and judicial vicar. In 1999, he was elected Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province in Chicago and later served two terms as Prior General.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, and he became Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015. Prevost held several key roles, including as a member of various Vatican dicasteries and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. In 2023, Pope Francis promoted him to Archbishop and appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. He was made Cardinal in 2024, and, as of 8 May 2025 elected as Pope Leo XIV.
A warm welcome – World leaders welcomed the first American pope, highlighting his potential to promote unity and global peace. U.S. President Donald Trump called it a "great honor" for the country, while former President Barack Obama described it as a "historic day." European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, praised the pope's message of fraternity and hope, and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised his spiritual leadership for the current challenging times.
The international reactions reflected diverse priorities. Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged the pope to support migrant communities, while Mexico's president praised his commitment to peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky looked to the Vatican for continued moral support. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed hopes for deeper cooperation and interfaith dialogue.
2. Turkish investor withdraws offer for Liberty Steel site in Dudelange
Tosyali group pulls out of Liberty Steel deal, leaving 150 jobs in jeopardy.
Disappointed trade unions have commented on the failed deal.
Labour tensions have been bubbling in Luxembourg, with a major protest called for June.
Investment falls through – Tosyali Holding has unexpectedly withdrawn its bid to acquire the Liberty Steel plant in Dudelange, raising concerns about the future of 150 employees. The move, reported by Paperjam following an initial rumour by L'Essentiel, and confirmed by Luxembourg's Economy and Labour Ministries, has led unions to call for immediate government action.
The plant's workers have faced ongoing uncertainty since ArcelorMittal sold the site six years ago, originally as part of a now-failed attempt to acquire Italian steelmaker ILVA. The latest withdrawal by Turkish group Tosyali extends this period of instability, further clouding the prospects for the Dudelange facility.
Unions respond – In a joint statement released on Thursday, the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) voiced their "total disillusionment" following "years of promises." The unions contend that workers are now paying the price for "wrong decisions" made by both industry leaders and government officials. They have called for an immediate meeting with the relevant ministries to discuss potential solutions. In April, Minister of Labour Georges Mischo had stated that proposals were being considered, and assured employees they would not be forgotten, promising continued support.
The crisis began when Liberty Steel declared bankruptcy in November 2024. Since then, workers have been asked to either find other jobs or register as unemployed, despite supposed job guarantees. Unions OGBL and LCGB call the situation "absurd," stressing the plant's future depends on preserving its workforce, and urging the government to act quickly.
General protest on the horizon – Speaking on Labour Day, Luxembourg's two largest trade unions, OGBL and LCGB, issued a united call to action against what they described as "violent attacks" on workers' rights by the government and employers. Union leaders Nora Back and Patrick Dury criticised the CSV-DP coalition and the Luxembourg Employers' Association (UEL) for policies that they say undermine wages, pensions, and labour protections.
For the first time in their histories, the two unions publicly stood together, urging members to mobilise for a major demonstration on 28 June in defence of the country’s social model, framing it as a crucial turning point.
3. CSV leads Sunday Poll, coalition still holds majority
© SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen
The Sunday Poll asks voters what their intentions would be if an election were to take place the following Sunday. It has become a notable barometer of the political mood amongst the population.
The most recent survey shows shifts in momentum among the different political forces in Luxembourg but the status quo remains, for now.
Voters were also asked about their thoughts on pension reform, adding another layer of insight.
What data are we looking at? –The Sunday Poll, commonly used in Germany and Austria to assess voter intentions, asks respondents which party they would support if an election were held that day. It has become a standard tool in both academic and commercial political polling.
In Luxembourg, this format is employed by ILRES through the recurring 'Sonndesfro' survey, commissioned by the Luxemburger Wort and RTL, with full methodology and details available on the website of the independent media authority Alia.lu. The most recent survey was carried out between 8 and 24 April 2025.
A few shifts, but no major changes –The latest poll shows the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) maintaining its lead with 29.1% of voting intentions. Its coalition partner, the Democratic Party (DP), has gained 1.8% since the last election, holding steady at 14 seats. The Greens (Déi Gréng) continue to recover, polling at 10.5%, enough for three additional seats and potentially reopening the path to the former 'Gambia' coalition (named after the joined party colours' resemblance to the African country's flag) with the LSAP (17.9%) and DP. However, the LSAP's recent momentum has slowed since its October 2024 high.
The ADR is losing ground, dropping to 9.3%, which could cost them a seat. The Pirate Party shows modest recovery with 3.5%, possibly returning to parliament with one seat after a wipeout in the last poll. The Left (Déi Lénk) has increased its support by 1.2% but remains stuck at two seats. Overall, the current CSV-DP coalition would still hold a parliamentary majority with 35 seats. However, uncertainty remains over potential political shifts.
The topic 'du jour': pension reform – The survey shows that 75% of Luxembourg residents believe pension reform is necessary, reflecting growing concern over the system’s long-term sustainability, with projections indicating a potential deficit by 2026 and depleted reserves by 2045.
While strong majorities support raising pension contributions and investing in supplementary schemes, opinions are more divided on extending the retirement age: 55% oppose it, 40% support it, and 5% are undecided. Additionally, 82% of respondents favour unifying public and private pension systems under a single framework.
4. Rehazenter Luxembourg temporarily halts treatment for children
© Tom Zeimet
Parents were left in shock as the Rehazenter halted rehabilitation treatment for children.
A legal snag appears to be the cause of the issue.
The government reacted by announcing the continuation of treatments and stating the intention of revising the legislation that caused the chaos.
A sudden scare –Rehabilitation treatment for children was suspended at Luxembourg’s National Centre for Functional Rehabilitation and Re-education (Rehazenter), leaving affected families without appointments and pushing some to consider seeking care abroad. Multiple parents came forward publicly and confirmed to RTL that their children’s therapy was suddenly halted without prior notice.
Both inpatient and outpatient children were affected by the unexpected suspension, raising concerns about the lack of alternative support. Families contacted politicians and the media to demand answers, warning that the loss of essential physical and psychological therapies could seriously impact the development and well-being of their children, some of whom were recovering from cancer and other serious illnesses.
Legal grey area –Families were baffled at the alleged cause of their new source of family stress: according to RTL information, the basis for the issue lies in the current hospital law, with annex 2 referring to rehabilitation services for adults only:
"A service providing optimal recovery of functional performance, the best possible autonomy, and quality of life for adults with neurological, cardiac, or musculoskeletal impairments, with the aim of reintegration or maintenance in the patient’s living environment following illness or a health event."
The issue appears to stem from a direct interpretation of the letter of the law; logically, it would seem that a solution could quickly be achieved by removing the word "adult" from the legislation, which appears to be the actual plan going forward.
Government reacts –The Health Ministry announced plans to revise the legal uncertainties around the centre’s mandate. The Ministry stated it was not informed in advance of any formal decision to halt paediatric care and clarified that the Rehazenter’s board had not decided to implement a blanket suspension. However, some medical staff reportedly raised concerns about the legal basis for treating minors without clear legal grounds. The centre's board is expected to review the issue shortly.
In the meantime, the Ministry assured that all affected children will continue to receive necessary care and confirmed that legislative amendments are being prepared to ensure future access to rehabilitation for minors.
5. Tensions escalate between India and Pakistan
Pakistan and India accuse each other of waves of drone attacks amid the largest escalation of violence between the uneasy neighbours in decades.
An April attack on civilians at a tourist hotspot in Kashmir is at the centre of the conflict, with India blaming a Pakistani-based terrorist organization - a claim denied by Islamabad.
Global leaders watch with concern, as yet another surge of violence threatens worldwide security.
Largest attacks in decades –Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply on Thursday, with both nations trading accusations over drone and missile attacks amid ongoing deadly clashes. The violence follows an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blames on Islamabad, a claim Pakistan denies.
India says it struck "terrorist camps" with missiles, while Pakistan responded with artillery fire, with the exchange of attacks resulting in at least 48 deaths, 32 of which were in Pakistan, including civilians. Both sides reported drone incursions, with Pakistan claiming to have shot down 28 Indian drones and India alleging it destroyed air defences in Lahore.
The cause of the conflict –The 22 April attack that resulted in 26 casualties in Kashmir has become a rallying point on both sides of the border, with mutual accusations fanning the fires of violence.
Political analyst Michael Kugelman suggests that this tragic event could be used to gain political points by both sides: "New Delhi could use it to bolster its image as strong and confident and tough on terror. Islamabad could use it to try to rally support for a civilian and military leadership that isn't terribly popular at home," Kugelman told AFP.
World calls for restraint – The worsening clashes between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan have triggered widespread international concern, with world powers urging a return to dialogue. The United Nations, European Union, and major nations including the US, China, Russia, and France called for de-escalation amid fears of further violence following India’s missile strikes and Pakistan’s retaliation.
With tensions at their highest in two decades, leaders across the globe emphasized diplomacy, peace, and the urgent need to avoid a full-scale confrontation, with US President Trump saying he hopes "it ends very quickly", and Germany Chancellor Merz stating "now, more than ever, reason and clear-headedness are required."
The best of... 📚
- Business & Tech – On Thursday, the US and the UK signed a comprehensive trade agreement, potentially signalling incoming deals with other world nations. Earlier that day, the European Union threatened to target US cars and planes if the ongoing tariff talks with Trump failed.
- Science & Environment –Global temperatures were stuck at near-record highs in April, the EU's climate monitor said on Thursday, extending an unprecedented heat streak and raising questions about how quickly the world might be warming.
- Entertainment – The film industry is shocked by Trump's announcement of 100% tariffs on foreign-made films, with Hollywood saying "it makes no sense", as the head of the Toronto Film Festival fears they will hurt film quality.
- Sport – The UEFA Champions League 2025 final is set, as Munich gets ready to welcome Italy's Inter Milan and French side Paris Saint-Germain on 31 May, following some of the most exciting matches to have graced the semi-finals of the competition.
And in case you missed it... ⚠️
- Armed man in Kirchberg bank – On Monday morning, police received a report of an armed man inside a bank branch on Avenue John F. Kennedy in Kirchberg, leading to evacuation of the premises and street closure.
- Ready to compete – Luxembourg is sending a delegation comprised of 164 athletes to the Games of the Small States of Europe, taking place in Andorra from 26–31 May.
- Our 'poupée' gets ready – Laura Thorn and the Luxembourg delegation departed for Basel, where they will take part in the Eurovision Song Contest's semi-final on 15 May. You can follow their Switzerland adventure here!
- New chancellor – Germany's conservative leader Friedrich Merz was finally confirmed chancellor in a second voting round, following the unexpected setback of losing the initial vote – the first such outcome in Germany's post-war history.
Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.
