Belgium's politicians certainly have a way of saying how they really feel. Where the modus operandi in other countries is to gloss over inconvenient statistics or simply ignore the issue altogether, here politicians are fairly frank when it comes to giving the bad news.
It's not always what you want to hear but at least you know where you stand. Though it doesn't translate directly into unmitigated faith in elected representatives, there is a maturity in being open on the challenges we face. Prime Minister De Croo didn't shy from sharing his energy concerns when he forewarned of long-term hardships for "the next five to ten winters".
This political candour has most recently been demonstrated by Belgium's Deputy PM David Clarinval who sounded the alarm bell for what he fears will be a wave of job losses next year. He cited waning company profits and dwindling competitiveness as Europe teeters on the brink of recession.
Of course, the words of the Deputy PM are consistent with the financial uncertainty seen far beyond Belgium and making itself felt in deferrals on mortgage payments and shrinking purchasing power. Nonetheless, the unremittingly bleak outlook Clarinval presented – even going so far as to assert that Belgium's business outlook "has never been so bad" – do nothing to inspire confidence.
But perhaps we shouldn't be so defeatist about this latest dose of bad news. What might be seen as making a show of honesty might also be a political attempt to deflect blame. Whilst there's no denying that storm clouds are swirling over Europe, Clarinval did imply that the recent strikes that sought stronger worker protections were to blame for business pessimism, rather than a symptom of it.
Whilst it is clear that Belgium's ballooning deficit will make it difficult to provide the full support we might in times of plenty, reproaching workers who are falling victim to inflation and an erosion of working conditions may not lead to the productivity gains he hopes for.
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1. Belgian Deputy PM: 'I fear massive job losses in 2023'
Belgium's Deputy Prime Minster David Clarinval (MR) has stated that he fears "massive job losses" in Belgium next year as a consequence of Europe's burgeoning energy crisis. Read more.
2. Where to learn French and Dutch as an adult in Belgium
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The famous Grand Place, one of the jewels of the Brussels tourist industry, has been named sixth in the travel site Big 7 Travel's ranking of the most popular attractions in Europe. Read more.
4. 'Can't keep waiting for regional rules': Nine Brussels municipalities restrict scooters
Under pressure from disgruntled citizens, more and more Brussels municipalities are taking their own measures in their fight against scattered e-scooters on their territories. From bans and fines to drop zones, nine of Brussels' 19 mayors have stopped waiting for a regional solution. Read more.
5. Could painkillers be doing us more harm than good?
Pain is more than a signal that something is going wrong. In the intestines, pain immediately provides protection and recovery. Painkillers, in this case at least, could therefore be doing more harm than good. Read more.
6. 7 in 10 students refuse to use school toilets
On average, 70% of students refrain from going to the toilet at school, according to RTL Info. This situation is concerning for parents and teachers, who worry about the impact this may have on learning and concentration. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Ruys jewellery shop
The most beautiful Art Nouveau shop in Antwerp lies in an unlikely location, far from the elegant shopping districts. It dates from 1902 when the jeweller Albert Ruys transformed the family shop where his father had started as a silversmith in 1854. Read more.
