Lex Delles defends plan to liberalise shop opening hours
Getty Images
Economy Minister Lex Delles is pushing ahead with a plan to liberalise working hours in the retail sector, sparking debate in society. He spoke about this in an interview with Tageblatt. The main question is whether this will not lead to a strengthening of the position of large shopping centres at the expense of small shops that cannot afford longer shifts.
According to Delles, there is no such threat. He argues that hypermarkets will not automatically stay open longer because their staffing and operating costs are too high. Smaller shops, on the other hand, can be more flexible and decide for themselves when it is convenient for them to operate.
The minister's main argument in favour of the reform is competition with neighbouring countries. Luxembourg is not an "island" and has to compete with retailers in France, Germany and Belgium, where working conditions are more flexible. In his opinion, local shops should decide when to open and close based on demand and convenience.
However, the changes do not oblige anyone to work longer hours - they just give additional freedom of choice. The new bill will allow shops to work from 5:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and from 5:00 to 19:00 on weekends and holidays.
The Minister also noted that in the northern regions of Luxembourg, the highest sales volume is on Saturdays and Sundays, confirming the need for flexibility in working hours.
