Belgian news in brief, 30 September 2005

Verhofstadt rubbishes report on Belgian economy

Belgium’s prime minister Guy Verhofstadt claims his country’s economy is performing far better than reported in this year’s World Economic Forum report. Verhofstadt denies Belgium has a public deficit and denies the state is wasting money. He says WEF’s analysis is contradicted by an IMD report.

Walloon farm minister seeks GM ban

Wallonia’s environment and agricultural minister Benoit Lutgen wants to ban all forms of GM farming. He told the newspaper Le Soir a “principle of absolute caution” should be adopted towards the genetic modification of food. The Walloon parliament is to debate the issue next week.

Clijsters to finish career without a coach

Belgian tennis star Kim Clijsters, the current world number four, has announced she will finish her playing career without the help of a coach. In August, the 22-year-old said she will retire from tennis in 2007 or early 2008. This week, she said she had decided she no longer needed a coach. “I think I’ve become adult enough to know what I have to do,” she said. “A coach was very useful when I was young.”

Free car checks on offer

More than 2,500 mechanics are to offer free safety checks on cars as part of a safety campaign aimed at reducing road accidents. Mechanics will be looking for car problems which sometimes contribute to accidents, such as faulty break-pads and lights. The initiative runs from 3-31 October. For details of participants see www.pensezavotresante.be

Subject: Belgian news