Belgian minister sparks outrage with 'pool, beer, barbecue' advice during heatwave

Belgium's Defense Minister Theo Francken ignited a political and media firestorm with his dismissive remarks about the ongoing heatwave. As the country braces for record temperatures, Francken took to social media to suggest that people should "enjoy the good weather" with "pool, a fresh Stella and barbecue."

“

Two days it's hot and it seems we're all going to die again. Dude, dude, where do these journalists find them?

"Two days it's hot and it seems we're all going to die again. Dude, dude, where do these journalists find them?" Francken wrote, criticizing what he perceived as media exaggeration. He promised to share photos later of his own enjoyment. His comments, made as temperatures began to rise, have drawn sharp criticism as heat advisories intensify.

Politicians, media editorials, and columnists have reproached Francken for framing the heatwave as a media frenzy and for overlooking the plight of vulnerable individuals, outdoor workers, and those without air conditioning or cooling spaces. Philosopher Seppe De Meulder countered, "No, Theo Francken, not everyone has an office job, air conditioning, and a private pool." Liberal politician Michel Henrion accused the minister of "climate-skeptic populism."

“

No, Theo Francken, not everyone has an office job, air conditioning, and a private pool.

The public broadcaster RTBF questioned if the minister's words constituted populism, while the magazine 'Le Soir Mag' editorialized that Francken aligned himself "with the climate-skeptic American leader," referencing Donald Trump, a politician the Flemish nationalist has previously expressed sympathy for. Belgium is currently experiencing disruptions due to the heatwave, including canceled train and bus services, suspended classes, and the closure of monuments like the Atomium.

“

climate-skeptic populism