Belgium’s day was marked by a rail strike, stalled talks with a deadline approaching and underage suspects in Brussels riots being released for lack of space. Abroad, attention turned to a proposed energy-infrastructure ceasefire and possible threats in Poland, while sport brought derby lineups and races without several leading names.
Barely a week after the much-discussed Bahrain Grand Prix, Formula 1 heads to Singapore. Max Verstappen can secure pole position for the second week in a row and capitalise on that starting position. From 2pm, fans can follow all the action on track live, with the Dutchman once again the central focus.
The Belgian cyclocross season begins in Dendermonde the day after the Tour of Lombardy and before the winner of Paris-Tours is known. Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Thibau Nys and Toon Aerts are absent from the Mosselcross. As a result, attention is also focused on 32-year-old Michael Vanthourenhout, who wants to perform strongly right away.
The rail strike began Sunday at 10 p.m., ahead of Monday’s planned day of action. Called by the CGSP, the strike protests the government’s budget proposals. Around seven in 10 trains are expected to run on Monday, while rail traffic will be disrupted by the action.
Federal budget talks have completely deadlocked, with two days left until the deadline. The MR is facing criticism after vetoing a VAT reform and a solution for 13 Palestinian scholarship students. As a result, Prime Minister Bart De Wever will miss his budget deadline for the second year in a row. It remains unclear how the talks will proceed.
Standard and Sporting Charleroi face off behind closed doors at Sclessin this Sunday in a Walloon derby. Charleroi come into it with 18 points from 21, while Standard must respond after two consecutive defeats. Standard’s lineup includes Nguene. Kickoff will get the match underway.
Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine. His statement concerns the protection of energy facilities during the war in Ukraine. The announced truce is therefore focused on a specific aspect of the conflict, alongside broader military developments that continue to be monitored in the region.
The underage suspects in the Brussels riots were sent home because youth facilities had no room. In several cases, the juvenile court judge deemed placement necessary. The public prosecutor’s office warns that this harms the credibility of justice; the suspects include two 16-year-olds and a 14-year-old, and one 16-year-old was intercepted with seven Molotov cocktails.
In Poland, intelligence services held urgent talks over indications of a possible assassination attempt against Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. Authorities consider the matter one of vital importance. The meeting is intended to assess the threat and determine what security measures are needed. Polish services are examining the circumstances and the protection of both government members.
Every story in 60 words, three languages, free on iOS and Android. No account needed.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play