Good afternoon, from a sunny Brussels – a perfect day for a general strike! And indeed there is one again today – the fourth this year in Belgium – and it won't be the last. Are these national days of action achieving anything? So far not. The Federal coalition Government has up to now shown no signs of deviating from its path of social and economic reforms and has barely acknowledged the strikes themselves.
Interestingly, today, the new Brussels Public Prosecutor has waded in, as you can read in our article. Julien Moinil has not pulled his punches since taking office. He has already called out the Federal Government over its "disastrous" efforts to tackle drug-related gun violence in the capital, and the increasingly broken justice system and spiralling prison overcrowding, leading to a chaotic and ineffective punishment system.
Personally, I have long found the Belgian justice system, and in particular the sentencing regime, baffling and worrying. It is inexplicable to me that sex offences, including rape of minors, are regularly punishable by no more than a few months in jail or in some cases no jail time at all, while other "white collar" crimes result in prison terms of months or years. It is baffling – so much so that The Brussels Times will be looking at this whole issue and trying to explore and explain it in the coming weeks through a series of articles and reports.
The Brussels Public Prosecutor is today taking aim squarely at the Federal politicians again. In a feisty move, he states his office will no longer support many of its usual functions. He is effectively saying the time for excuses about funding and budget is over. The situation regarding violence and crime is so serious that it demands action. If the Federal Government can't find the money, then his office will; by seeking out instances of corruption and fraud in government and calling it out. We shall see if this has any immediate results – but it is a least a bold public statement.
I wrote yesterday about the need for more accountability in Belgium. One person at least today may give us a little hope that that is a sentiment we are not alone in having. It's another ray of sunshine on this already bright day in Belgium. And such days, as those of us who live here know, are days to be celebrated and cherished!
Belgium in Brief
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1. General strike day: Cancelled flights, only one metro running in Brussels
Major disruptions are expected on Tuesday as Belgium grinds to a halt due to a general strike against the new government. Follow here for the latest updates. Read more.
2. Brussels Public Prosecutors to strike – will prioritise government corruption
"Given the alleged shortage of public funds, the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office will focus on cases of government corruption and embezzlement of public funds." Read more.
3. Amnesty International sends ‘strongest warning ever’ on Trump day 100
The human rights organisation has urged world leaders to stand up for their values, "not cut deals", as Trump wreaks havoc at home and abroad. Read more.
4. ‘They helped people in need’: Criminal charges for helping migrants on the rise
Whether it's assisting people at sea, providing food or protesting in the name of human rights – the number of people facing criminal charges is increasing. Read more.
5. Blackout: 99% of electricity restored in Spain – Portugal’s network ‘perfectly stabilised’
In Madrid, the return of power prompted applause and cheers from residents, celebrating the end of a long day without electricity, internet or mobile phone services. Read more.
6. Michelin Guide 2025: First star awarded to 11 Belgian restaurants
However, there have been no new three-star restaurant additions in both Belgium and Luxembourg this year. Read more.
7. Is a Flemish separatist fit to be Belgium’s prime minister?
Bart De Wever's journey from leader of a separatist party to Belgium's prime minister raises questions about unity and national identity. How will his leadership shape the country's future? Read more.
