Good afternoon.
So another week goes by without Federal Government agreement on the finances and budget. The inner circle of ministers, the “kern”, seem deadlocked. PM De Wever is meeting his deputy today to see how to proceed.
As I said yesterday, we have spoken today to an expert in this matter to assess the way forward and the implications of the current impasse.
Regardless of the immediate technicalities of the federal finances, the publicity and chatter around this deadlock yet again heightens the impression that Belgian politicians can’t work together for the good of the country - that the Belgian political system is dysfunctional.
Many will say, twas ever thus, and the country still worked just fine. That may well have been the case in the recent past. But I would argue that this should not be allowed to continue.
Belgium is a small country in an increasingly chaotic world. The political and social landscape is more perilous than ever with the rise of populism and extremism.
Anything that feeds that - like the perception and narrative that the politicians are only looking after their interests and not trying to find ways to compromise and bring the country together - is irresponsible and, one could argue, downright reckless.
I hope that as we enter November and with Halloween next week, they all find a more festive spirit of cooperation, rather than be constrained by the ghosts of the past.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Inside Belgium’s budget standoff: What happens if talks fail?
With rumours of the prime minister's resignation in the air, The Brussels Times spoke to one of Belgium's foremost political analysts to find out what is going on. Read more.
2. Appetisers at Flagey, dessert at Louise? The restaurant taking the scenic route through Brussels
The Tram Experience winds its way through the streets of Brussels while passengers enjoy gourmet meals. Read more.
3. ‘I’m just little Belgium,’ says De Wever as he thwarts plans to unlock frozen Russian assets
The possibility of using Russian assets to guarantee a €140 billion loan to Ukraine was the subject of lengthy discussions at yesterday's EU summit. Read more.
4. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 24 – 26 October
From Oktoberfest fun to Halloween-themed parties and a Brussels-themed musical, there are lots of great things to see and do this weekend in Brussels. Read more.
5. Invisible and deadly: Brussels residents warned of cold weather carbon monoxide risk
Every year, more than 120 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are reported in the Brussels Region. Read more.
6. Storm Benjamin’s aftermath in Brussels
Brussels woke up to calmer skies on Friday after Storm Benjamin swept through the city, leaving behind a trail of damage but no reported injuries. Read more.
7. Commission fails to explain lack of animal welfare proposals in work programme
“Animal welfare does not fit into an agenda focusing on competitiveness and simplification.” Read more.
