For the third day running Brussels woke to news of a fierce turf war, with another shooting taking place in the early hours of Friday morning. One man was killed.
The latest incident took place on a housing estate in the outskirts of the city that has become synonymous with drug violence. Last year police imposed checkpoints around the perimeter to ensure that only residents entered – part of a clampdown that put a dent in the trafficking network operating in the area.
But success was short-lived as gangs this week have run rings around the forces of law and order. Last night's fatal shooting took place despite police patrolling the estate, once again highlighting the lawlessness as gunfights take place in the public space. Yesterday a bullet went into a child's bedroom, which reminded many of an incident in Antwerp in which a young girl was killed in gang war crossfire.
With the situation degenerating from day to day, many of the city's residents are exasperated with the failure of politicians to get a hold on the situation. Eight months on from elections, the Socialist Party still refuses to enter negotiations to form a regional government, leaving Europe's capital without leadership. It's a sorry state of affairs that businesses have been calling out for months. No longer just a financial concern, this week's events have generalised the view that the city's political establishment is grossly incompetent.
"Brussels deserves better. The apparent indifference of politicians is jeopardising everyone’s security. Without a government and urgent action by the authorities, an entire population is at risk of falling into anger and extremism," read an open letter from numerous neighbourhood associations.
And whilst the Justice Minister insisted that "We won't let our streets fall into the hands of criminal gangs", that's just what is happening.
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1. Drug violence in Brussels – is this the tipping point?
"We are tired of hollow speeches and promises without a future. The people of Brussels feel abandoned and left alone in the face of rising violence." Read more.
2. Fourth shooting in Brussels this week – one dead
Another shooting occurred in the Peterbos district of Anderlecht late on Thursday night, killing one person. Read more.
3. De Wever government passes vote of confidence after 40-hour marathon debate
The confidence motion was passed after more than 40 hours of debate on the new government’s general policy statement. Read more.
4. Putting wind back in Denmark’s sails
Denmark has cancelled a planned wind power auction. This is good news for the renewables sector. Read more.
5. Saint-Gilles prison to remain open until 2028
"Prisoners are living in disgraceful conditions and Belgium has already been condemned several times." Read more.
6. Lahbib ‘regrets’ lack of women in new Belgian Government
"I regret the lack of equality," the EU Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, told The Brussels Times in the margins of a press briefing on Thursday. Read more.
7. ‘Golden era for trains?’: Why fans will be left waiting for new destinations
There is a clear demand for international night trains, but obstacles are rife, meaning more new connections from Brussels in the future seem unlikely. Read more.
