Of Belgium's many elected offices that one might envy, being Mayor of Brussels must be one of the most exciting, coming with a front-row seat to the myriad events that take place in the city and engaging directly with the vibrant and varied communities that make it the world's "most cosmopolitan city".
Philippe Close's energy for the role was obvious when we spoke several weeks ago, his demeanour calm and free of the sense that he was trying to sell me his political programme (even as his face is plastered around the city in the run-up to elections). He was both personable and precise about the challenges – the City of Brussels commune has a population 55,000 larger than when he moved here.
The member of Belgium's Socialist Party spoke extensively about the issue of drugs that has marked Brussels this year and holds views that resonate with the city's comparatively young residents (the average age is markedly lower than in the areas bordering the city). He maintains that a social response to drug use is key, which could involve legalisation and healthcare establishments.
His admission that it is nonsensical to treat all substances as equal and that hard drugs also permeate wealthier classes seems both obvious and often ignored. Whilst the drug violence that spiked in February prompted calls from populist factions to send in the army, competent ministers dismissed this as ineffective, impractical, and lacking legal basis.
There was also a clear desire to celebrate the breadth of nationalities and faiths that have made Brussels home. "If I insult one I insult all," has been Close's inclusive line And though the city isn't without tensions it does feel a place of opportunity where new arrivals are given the chance to contribute to local life.
Nor was the Mayor content to settle with Brussels as perfectly imperfect – he's quick to point out problem areas that must be addressed – but Close paints a picture of a city whose best days are still to come. His insights are honest and optimistic in equal share. Read the full piece here.
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1. Extra-fast train from Brussels to Amsterdam to launch end of 2024
A new train service that will take passengers from Brussels to Amsterdam 45 minutes faster than before will be launched at the end of this year. However, some are concerned it will only service Brussels-Midi station (and not the other two major stations). Read more.
2. Global ambitions and local results: The Mayor's mission to make Brussels a 'smart city'
"It's expats who make this city great". Philippe Close's passion is compelling but can his vision for Brussels unite 184 nationalities and diverse political factions? Read more.
3. The unlikely Brussels resistance hero who lost her head
Brussels resistance hero Marina Chafroff was beheaded by the Nazis, but she is almost forgotten today. Read more.
4. Ban on sale of alcohol at night in Northern Quarter to combat insecurity
The sale of alcohol will be banned in the Northern Quarter between 22:00 and 06:00 until at least the start of October. The police order was issued by the Schaerbeek municipality to combat insecurity, mainly linked to drug trafficking in the area. Read more.
5. Brussels residents paid an average of €2,100 to Wallonia last year
Interregional money transfers from the Brussels-Capital Region to Wallonia are rising and will increase even more in the coming years, a new study on financial flows between Belgium's three regions shows. Read more.
6. Pro-Palestinian activists occupy buildings at two major Belgian universities
Students in Belgium at two key universities have occupied campus buildings in solidarity with Palestinians, and are calling for an end to academic collaboration with Israeli institutions. Read more.
7. Over half of LGBTQ+ community in Belgium harassed in past year
Some 62% of LGBTQ+ people in Belgium are open about their sexual orientation, above the EU average of 51%. But a new survey has found that over half have experienced harassment in the past year, and a third have felt discriminated against. Read more.
