With Monday morning headlines in Belgium dedicated largely to mild weather and a football match that ended with riots and a sacked manager, I'll allow myself another foray into the whirlwind of British politics, which seems a valid counterpoint to Belgian affairs.
As home to the major EU institutions, one could assume that Brussels would be the scene of almost daily fracas as diplomats butt heads over the policies that govern the world's largest trading bloc. But whilst opinions diverge widely in the establishments, their structure prevents the untenable differences that have left chasms in the UK parliament.
On a national level, Belgium could be seen as the polar opposite of Britain. Whilst Liz Truss could barely scrape 45 days in office, it took 652 days for Belgium to form a government – and one that wears political diversity as a mark of honour. Quite the contrary to Boris Johnson's purging of ministers that didn't share his dogma.
The UK is now leaping in another direction after a prime ministerial contest so short that it looks to be over before it even began. Aware that time is of the essence, the Conservative Party stipulated that candidates must secure 100 votes from fellow Tory MPs, meaning that mathematically there could only be three contestants.
For about 24 hours, the scandal-tarnished but ever-shameless ex-PM looked poised to reclaim his recently vacated office (a prospect that De Croo had cautioned against). Yet no sooner had Johnson returned from his holiday in the Caribbean, the would-be knight in shining armour announced his withdrawal from the race (though took the opportunity to loudly express his disappointment that the other candidates didn't rally behind him, "in the national interest" of course).
Which leaves the UK with a clear favourite in the form of ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak and an underdog in Penny Mordaunt. In the campaign to replace Johnson, Sunak's warnings of fiscal caution were trumped by Truss' promises of somehow growing the UK's economic "pie" with magnanimous tax cuts for the country's highest earners. This nearly crushed the "pie" entirely, so now is quite obviously the time for Sunak's financial restraint.
Mordaunt has far less public prominence than Sunak, having occupied relatively minor positions before her current role as Leader of the House of Commons, which she has only held for a few weeks. In fact, it looks very likely that Mordaunt will be able to muster the 100 votes needed by Monday afternoon in order to continue her bid for premier.
This makes it quite likely that as you read this, I can also inform you that Sunak is the next Prime Minister.
Thoughts? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. Boris Johnson pulls out of Conservative leadership race
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has withdrawn his bid to become leader of the Conservative Party, stating that it was “simply not the right time” for his return to no.10 Downing Street. Read more.
2. Charleroi Airport ranks in Europe’s top 10 worst airports
Charleroi Airport, recently marred by repeated strikes and passenger disruption, is considered one of the worst airports in Europe by travellers, according to Dutch website Vliegveldinfo.nl’s 2022 Airport Satisfaction Survey. Read more.
3. Belgian tax laws hitting teleworkers employed abroad
The health crisis has forged many changes, with greater lenience towards teleworking being among those with the biggest positive impact for employees, but the country of your employer matters. Read more.
4. Sunshine in Belgium this week with temperatures reaching 22°C
Following a stormy Sunday evening, brighter days are on the cards for Belgium with spring-like temperatures and an abundance of sunshine that is unusual for this time of year. Read more.
5. Belgium on course to miss EU emissions target
Flanders has increased its greenhouse gas emissions by 4% compared to 2020, leaving the Flemish-speaking region on course to miss the European Commission's target of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. Read more.
6. 'They told us they had no room': Belgium's Ukraine refugees sleeping rough
In contrast to the uncomfortable conditions often faced by refugees from other countries (many of whom have been forced to sleep on the street), Ukrainian refugees have been generally well-treated by Belgium's government and civil society. Read more.
7. Eerie-sistible: How to celebrate Halloween in Brussels this year
The countdown to the scariest holiday of the year has started! Although it's another week to go until 31 October, you don't have to wait until then to start celebrating the occasion in Brussels. Here are some of our favourite things to do. Read more.
