Belgian news in brief, 27 September 2005

Two convictions after Ghislenghien gas blast

The mayor of Ath, Bruno Van Grootenbrulle, and communal secretary, Marc Duvivier, have been charged in connection with the Ghislenghien gas explosion that killed 24 people last year. They were charged with involuntary manslaughter for failing to take appropriate measures to avoid the catastrophe. Judge Gerard Bresoux indicated that more convictions are on the way.

Belgian army too big, say critics

The Belgian army has 12,000 too many troops and its personnel are too old, at an average age of 40, says military historian and army specialist Luc De Vos. According to the Belgian press more and more voices from within the academic and political world are questionning whether the army is equipped to deal with modern-day challenges. The government is already planning to cut the forces to 35 000 by 2015. But De Vos and Pieter De Crem, a politician specialising in defence, believe the army should be cut to 30,000.

Cycling champion gives jersey to king

Cycling champion Tom Boonen has given his coveted rainbow jersey to the King of Belgium after being crowned world champion in the men’s road race in Madrid on Sunday. Boonen handed over the winner’s jersey during a visit to the palace on Tuesday in the company of Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. He was given a charicature of himself and the other riders in his team.

Subject: Belgian news