As I write, things are a little chaotic across Belgium's transport network. There was a disruption on the metro this morning for an hour because of a flash strike by staff, over safety concerns following Bruges fans' rampage through parts of Brussels ten days ago. It is perplexing, to say the least, that a group of rowdy fans, known for previous violence and Nazi salutes at games were left to wander the streets unaccompanied on their way to a match with their long standing rivals Anderlecht. Some things are not preventable - others are.
Planes in and out of Charleroi are currently not landing or taking off because of a bomb threat on board a Ryanair flight from Porto. The plane is currently on an isolated part of the airport with police in attendance. Terminals are still open. This comes on top of ongoing problems for inbound passengers to Brussels Airport. The Brussels Times has reported on first-hand accounts by our readers of queues of up to five hours at immigration over the last week or so. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) called it "damaging" to the image of Brussels and Belgium. The airport, for its part, blamed staffing issues combined with a high volume of holiday traffic. Again, some things are preventable, others are not.
And the boat? Well, it's the Federal Government's first 100 days, and Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) in an interview with Belgian TV stations over the weekend said "the country's budgetary situation is dramatic. The Titanic is sinking. She is almost at the bottom." He is not exaggerating. This country has some real challenges - not least how to meet spending commitments, whilst also reducing budgets and avoiding potential tax increases. Combine this with the ongoing strikes - some of which De Wever called "absurd...contribute nothing and are disproportionate to what we are doing" - and the possibility that if Brussels doesn't sort out a government soon (it's almost a year since regional elections if you can believe it) the Federal Government may have to bail them out. If that happens, the Prime Minister said, the regional politicians shouldn't expect much leniency from him! As I said, some things aren't preventable, but some things are.
Have a good Tuesday and stay up to date with the latest developments at Charleroi Airport with The Brussels Times.
Belgium in Brief
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1. Bomb threat at Charleroi Airport – all flights suspended
Just before 11:00, a bomb threat was reported on board a Ryanair plane from Porto (Portugal) that had arrived at Charleroi Airport shortly before. Read more.
2. ‘They see Brussels as an oil stain’: Changing a neglected capital
"An oil stain is quite incredible to describe a capital. But it's in everybody's interest to have a vision about how the Regions can work together." Read more.
3. Risk of fire: Code red for nature reserves in Antwerp and Limburg
"Just one spark can lead to a natural disaster. Protect our nature by adhering to the no-smoking and no-fire ban." Read more.
4. ‘Titanic is sinking’: 100 days of Belgium’s new Federal Government
On his 100th day in office, Prime Minister Bart De Wever said: "Do you think we would turn the situation around in a few months?" Read more.
5. Belgian Interior Minister denounces ‘damaging’ waiting times at Brussels Airport
The long waiting times at passport control at Brussels Airport could have a damaging impact on the country, says Bernard Quintin. Read more.
6. New American Pope could still be subject to ‘absurd’ US tax system
"The prospect of an American pope having to renounce his citizenship to avoid having the US Treasury scrutinise his personal finances underlines the absurdity of the US system." Read more.
7. The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts in May?
Find out the best gigs in Brussels for you and your friends to not miss this May. Read more.
