News in Belgium: between international tensions, politics, and societal issues
An activist from Liège recently testified to serious violence after being captured by the Israeli army. She was part of a humanitarian flotilla of 430 activists trying to reach Gaza. According to her account, prisoners were subjected to acts of torture and sexual violence organized to create a climate of fear among detainees.
On the political front, a new national survey shows significant changes in voting intentions in Belgium. The MR party is experiencing a significant decline, while the PS and PTB are progressing and becoming leaders in Wallonia and Brussels. The results also indicate that many voters are now turning towards the Les Engagés party.
The field of education and work also faces major challenges. A recent analysis explains how poverty transforms into educational inequalities, limiting the opportunities of the most disadvantaged students. At the same time, experts highlight the negative impact of heat on productivity. High temperatures fatigue workers and students, making heat protection essential for health and the economy.
The Belgian government is moving forward on several legal files. The Council of Ministers has approved, in a third reading, the bill concerning home visits. Furthermore, a measure adopted in 2022 will finally be applied: fraudulent marriages will now be recorded in the National Register. This decision aims to fight more effectively against marriages of convenience.
In the world of media and culture, Thomas Gadisseux has been appointed director of information and sports at RTBF. He expressed his pride in this great responsibility as the public media outlet embarks on new projects. Additionally, the Namur artist Felix Radu, known for his talents as a poet and actor, will receive the 2026 "gaillarde d’argent" to reward his creative work.
Finally, in Liège, the city has decided to suspend the sale of the Grand Palais. The municipal college believes that the file is not yet ready and prefers to wait before entrusting this historic building to a buyer. Regarding mobility, work on the Burenville interchange continues. A new phase of construction will soon begin, which will temporarily modify traffic conditions to secure the area.