1. Planning bureau examines party programmes
The Planning Bureau sharpens the ideological contrast with its calculation of the election manifestos. The exercise makes it clear what each party stands for and what kind of voter it wants to seduce. read more
2. Putin sworn in again
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been re-inaugurated after his re-election earlier this year. A lot of (mainly Russian) high-ranking people gathered in the Kremlin for the ceremony. read more
3. At least twelve people killed in bombings on Rafah
At least twelve people were killed in continued Israeli attacks in the night from Monday to Tuesday in the city of Rafah, in southern Gaza. Palestinian media report this. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has captured the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. read more
4. At least 25 schools in Antwerp will be closed, says the education union
Today, three education unions are demonstrating in Antwerp against a report by the ‘Committee of Wise Men’, which aims for a more modern personnel policy in education. The unions are taking action in five waves, per province. Ostend will follow tomorrow, Leuven on May 13, Hasselt on May 14 and Ghent on May 15. read more
5. More than 100,000 health care proxies were concluded last year
In 2023, more than 100,000 healthcare proxies were registered in our country for the first time. Here you can preventively determine who should manage your financial affairs if you are no longer able to do so yourself. read more
6. Small municipalities can dream of more Flemish money
“There is more to Flanders than just Antwerp or Ghent,” says Minister Gwendolyn Rutten. She had a study carried out into the effects of a reform of the Municipal Fund. In most scenarios, the big cities have to make concessions. read more
7. Breakthrough in cold case from 1999: man arrested for murder of seventeen-year-old woman in Antwerp
In a murder investigation from 1999, the council chamber in Antwerp confirmed the arrest of a 51-year-old man on Monday. He is suspected of the murder of a seventeen-year-old Romanian in Antwerp. read more
8. American soldier arrested in Russia for theft
An American soldier has been arrested in the Russian port city of Vladivostok and charged with theft. The Guardian reports this based on two anonymous government sources. It concerns Gordon Black (34), who was stationed in South Korea and had to return to Fort Cavazos in Texas. read more
