From a ban on vapes to a referendum on nuclear power plants: new petitions launched in Luxembourg
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On Wednesday 20 March, 12 new public petitions appeared on the website of the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies. Anyone can support them until 29 April 2025. If a petition reaches the required minimum of 5,500 signatures (a new threshold introduced on 15 March but applicable only to petitions submitted after that date), it will be considered by MPs within four months.
The erroneous publication of the petition list already happened last week, but now all initiatives are officially open for signatures.
Among the most discussed initiatives:
- A referendum for or against building a nuclear power plant in Luxembourg is an idea that promises to stir political and environmental controversy.
- The call for nuclear energy to be recognised as a tool for achieving the climate goals of the Paris Agreement is another attempt to put nuclear on the sustainable energy agenda.
- Banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes is a hotly debated topic across Europe.
- Centralised management of tenancy deposits by the government is a proposal that could change tenancy practices.
- Tougher penalties for hate speech and violence, with increased scrutiny of social media - a reflection of growing concerns about digital aggression.
- The proposal to introduce a dress code in schools and workplaces is a potentially controversial topic involving personal freedoms.
- An additional paediatric clinic as well as initiatives to improve road safety, including the installation of safety barriers in front of trees along the highway.
- Allowing tenants with 'unclassified pets' to find accommodation more easily.
- The introduction of the old trams for the summer period is an initiative with a touch of nostalgia.
- Fixing car licence plates to combat their theft.
- The withdrawal of the CP1 code from the CNS system is a technical issue relating to healthcare.
The final results on the number of signatures will be summed up at the end of April, and it is the activity of citizens that will determine which of these topics will be included in the political agenda.
