🇧🇪 La Libre Belgique
Belgium · FR · https://www.lalibre.be
About La Libre Belgique
La Libre Belgique is owned by Groupe IPM, a privately funded Belgian media organization. IPM Group SA is 100% owned by Maja SA, which is ultimately controlled by the Le Hodey family through the Luxembourg-based Media Development Company (Compagnie de developpement des medias).
Historically, La Libre Belgique, founded in 1884, maintained a strong center-right Christian Democratic stance until 1999. Since then, it has adopted a more liberal editorial line, though it is still considered to the right of Le Soir. Media Bias/Fact Check rates the outlet as 'Least Biased' with 'High factual reporting' due to balanced story selection, minimal right-leaning editorial bias, proper sourcing, and a clean fact-check record. Ground News also rates its media bias as 'Center'. Belgium generally enjoys a free press, though Reporters Without Borders has noted concerns regarding intimidation and violence against journalists during protests and online threats.
Cambridge's youngest Black professor resigns amid plagiarism claims linked to Ghent philosopher
- Jason Arday, Cambridge University's youngest Black professor, resigned amid plagiarism accusations. - The accusations stem from a controversial philosopher at Ghent University. - The situation highl…
Belgium Faces Intensifying Heatwave with Temperatures Reaching 32°C
- Belgium is experiencing intensifying heat, with temperatures expected to reach up to 32°C in some inland areas on Sunday. - While sunny conditions prevail, localized showers are possible in the sout…
Belgian unionists' protest angers Italy's Meloni at disaster ceremony
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed anger over a silent protest by Belgian trade unionists during ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the Bois du Cazier disaster. - Unionists turn…
Prince Laurent's illegitimate son reveals their close bond
- Prince Laurent of Belgium has maintained a warm relationship with his illegitimate son, Clement Vandenkerckhove, since officially recognizing him in September 2025. - Clement describes their relatio…
Belgian PM Honors Bois du Cazier Victims, Cites Ongoing Need for Worker Safety
- Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever honored the victims of the Bois du Cazier mining disaster, which killed 262 miners in 1956. - De Wever emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of the …
Photographer's mission: Capturing Belgium's image and a freed man's smile
- Vlad VDK, the photographer for Belgium's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shares insights into his global missions. - His role involves capturing images of state visits, economic missions, and diplomati…
Belgium faces renewed heatwave with temperatures set to hit 35 degrees
- Belgium faces a renewed heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius on Sunday and potentially peak at 35 degrees mid-week. - Meteorologists attribute the persistent heat to block…
Home Nurse Sara: My Patients Are My News Source
- Home healthcare nurse Sara finds news through her patients, not media. - She describes her work as a confidante for Belgians, offering intimate insights into their lives. - This series explores prof…
Belgium Launches Weekend Speed Control Marathon
- Belgian police are organizing a weekend-long speed control marathon across the country. - The operation aims to encourage drivers to reduce speed and adhere to limits, as excessive speed is a major …
Brussels Residents Oppose Asylum Seeker Center, Sparking Legal Battle
- Residents in Uccle, Brussels, are opposing the opening of a new reception center for asylum seekers. - A court has suspended the relocation of 238 asylum seekers to a building rented by Samusocial, …
Belgian minister proposes debate on restricting novice drivers' access to powerful cars
- Belgian Minister Jean-Luc Crucke proposes a debate on restricting novice drivers' access to powerful vehicles. - A recent French law bans drivers with less than three years of experience from operat…
Facing the McDonald's empire, small fry shops have their arguments: "Belgians cook less than before"
- Independent Belgian "friteries" (fry shops) remain stable in number despite competition from large fast-food chains like McDonald's. - These local establishments maintain popularity because Belgians…
Serge prepares for a tough battle to save his fry shop against big fast-food chains: "We are not fighting on equal terms"
- McDonald's is expanding rapidly into rural Belgian communes, with plans to open at least 150 new restaurants. - This expansion faces opposition from some residents concerned about its impact on loca…
Belgian Firms Receive Wrong VAT Bills Amid Technical Glitch
- Belgian companies received erroneous VAT payment reminders for the second quarter of 2026, despite having paid on time. - The Royal Company of Accountants and Tax Advisors (CRECCB) denounced a "doub…
Couple Found Dead in Bruges Home; Investigation Underway
- The bodies of a 30-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man were discovered in their Bruges home on Monday. - The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain undetermined, with an investigation and au…
Belgian teachers threaten strikes and chaos ahead of school year over reforms
- Teachers in Belgium are threatening strikes and protests ahead of the upcoming school year, citing concerns over workload and reforms. - Unions are demanding significant action from education minist…
Wallonia Takes Action to Protect Rivers Amid Drought Concerns
- Wallonia is taking measures to protect its rivers from drought. - The region's situation is currently more stable than its neighbors, but this could change if drought persists. - Efforts are underwa…
Travel assistance requests surge in July, with 559 repatriations
- Touring, a Belgian assistance service, recorded a significant increase in travel assistance cases in July. - Medical assistance files, in particular, saw a notable surge. - The organization repatria…
Agnès, Bistro Owner and Confidante: 'We're Not Just Here to Serve Drinks'
- Professionals in customer-facing roles, such as taxi drivers and restaurateurs, often become confidants for their clients. - These frontline workers share intimate stories that reveal the private li…
'A rabbi who no longer studies is a dead rabbi,' highlights importance of sacred texts
- The study of sacred texts is paramount to the vocation of rabbis, forming the core of their spiritual and intellectual life. - A rabbi who ceases to study is considered spiritually defunct, highligh…
Belgium's Rabbinical Funding Under Scrutiny Amidst Community Diversity
- Belgium currently finances approximately fifteen rabbinical positions. - Recent discussions have questioned whether all rabbis are recognized by the Belgian state. - The adequacy of state funding fo…
Belgium Sees 13 Daily Hit-and-Run Accidents Involving Fatalities or Injuries; Perpetrators Often Uninsured
- Belgium is experiencing a daily average of 13 hit-and-run accidents involving fatalities or injuries. - The number of such accidents has increased by 8% over the last decade, with vulnerable road us…
Belgium to Add 1,300 Prison Spaces Amid Overcrowding Crisis
- Belgium plans to create 1,300 new prison spaces to combat overcrowding. - The new spaces will come from new constructions, existing detention centers, and modular units. - The minister acknowledges …
Belgium faces continued heat and drought into August
- Belgium is bracing for continued high temperatures in August, with some regions facing orange alerts. - Meteorologists predict temperatures will remain above seasonal averages, with a possibility of…
Brussels Mobility: Major Construction Project at Quatre-Bras to Last Until 2028
- Flemish authorities are constructing a new cycling path connecting the Quatre-Bras intersection to the E40 highway. The project, which includes building three new cycle bridges, aims to link existin…
Belgian politician calls for Spain's partial Schengen suspension over migrant crisis
- Georges-Louis Bouchez, president of Belgium's MR party, called for Spain's partial suspension from the Schengen Area due to its handling of a migrant crisis. - Bouchez criticized Spanish Prime Minis…
Hit-and-runs now follow one in four pedestrian accidents in Belgium
- One in four accidents involving pedestrians now results in a hit-and-run, according to a Vias institute study. - Cyclists are also frequent victims, with 15% of accidents involving them being hit-an…
Inge Neven: COVID-19 Revealed a Different Side of Belgium
- Inge Neven, head of the Flemish research center Vito, led Belgium's COVID-19 crisis cell for three years. - Her experience coordinating the pandemic response in Brussels revealed a different side of…
Belgian village Crupet named among Europe's 20 most beautiful
- The Belgian village of Crupet has been named one of Europe's 20 most beautiful villages by German magazine Geo. - Crupet, located in the province of Namur, is known for its traditional houses, old m…
Minister Rob Beenders covers for 12 colleagues during Belgian summer holidays
- Belgian Minister Rob Beenders is covering for 12 absent colleagues during the summer holidays. - He is handling administrative tasks, with core policy decisions remaining with reduced ministerial ca…
Bert Kruismans: 'Often, after a show, Walloons ask me how they are perceived in Flanders'
- Flemish comedian Bert Kruismans notes that Walloons often ask him about perceptions of them in Flanders. - He suggests that Belgium, with its distinct linguistic and cultural regions, provides ample…
Anderlecht Companies Linked to MR Politicians Under Judicial Investigation
- Two companies linked to MR politicians in Anderlecht are under judicial investigation. - One company operates in real estate, the other in business services. - The investigation is linked to suspici…
Ghent port fire: Firefighters battle large blaze, smoke drifts towards residential areas
- Firefighters are battling a large blaze at a scrap metal waste pile in the port of Ghent. - The fire, which is not yet under control, has generated a significant smoke plume drifting towards residen…
Brussels Associations Protest Government Budget Cuts, Call Them a 'Cold Shower'
- Brussels government budget cuts have reduced funding for associations by two million euros. - The cuts impact the Global Security and Prevention Plan (PGSP), drawing sharp criticism from affected or…
Belgium Battles 117 Vegetation Fires Amid Heatwaves, Human Activity Cited
- Belgium has recorded 117 vegetation fires so far this year due to heatwaves. - Over 95% of these fires are caused by human activity, either through carelessness or deliberate acts. - Authorities are…
Germany Introduces Practical Exam for Dog Ownership Amid Welfare Concerns
- Germany has implemented a new rule requiring potential dog owners to pass a practical exam. - The measure aims to combat impulse buying, abandonment, and mistreatment of dogs. - The regulation refle…
Prevention, Air Fleets, Insurance: Ecolo Presents a Plan Against Forest Fires: 'The Sense of Urgency Does Not Drive Our Governments'
- Ecolo, a Belgian Green party, presented a plan to combat forest fires, citing over 160,000 hectares burned in Europe this summer. - The party criticizes governments for lacking a sense of urgency re…
Jewish foundation sues Belgian railway company over WWII deportations
- A Jewish foundation is suing the Belgian railway company SNCB over its role in deporting Jews during World War II. - The lawsuit concerns 28 convoys that transported approximately 25,000 Jews, along…
Belgium Issues Heat Alert as Temperatures Approach 35°C
- Belgium is under a heat alert with temperatures expected to reach up to 35°C. - The heatwave will affect the entire country, with varying temperatures across regions. - Thunderstorms are possible in…
Few Belgian employees return to work gradually after illness
- A recent parliamentary inquiry in Belgium reveals that only about 10% of employees on sick leave for less than a year utilize the option for a gradual return to work. - Figures for this 'progressive…
Georges-Louis Bouchez Mourns Father: 'I Never Thought I'd Have to Write This Message'
- Georges-Louis Bouchez, president of the MR party in Belgium, announced the death of his father on social media. - He described his father as a model of hard work, resilience, and integrity, who live…
Belgian police rely on civilians for sworn officer duties: "On a slippery slope"
- Police forces in Belgium are increasingly relying on civilian staff for sensitive tasks that legally require sworn officers. - Civilian personnel, part of the CALog framework, handle administrative,…
For many Flemish people, Wallonia is the land of scout camps, rivers, and forests
- For many Flemish people, Wallonia is primarily associated with scout camps, rivers, and forests. - Luc Devoldere, a member of the Royal Academy of Dutch Language and Literature, emphasizes cultural …
Prime Minister visits Libramont Fair, acknowledges urban roots
- Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo visited the Libramont Fair, a significant agricultural event. - De Croo acknowledged his limited direct experience with the agricultural world, admitting he …
Belgium faces record heatwave mortality, highest in Europe; climate change and urban planning cited as factors
- Belgium recorded the highest excess mortality rate in Europe during the late June heatwave, with an additional 2,000 deaths. - This represents a 48% increase in mortality, significantly higher than …
Belgium Braces for Heatwave as Temperatures Set to Exceed 30°C
- Belgium is bracing for a heatwave with temperatures expected to exceed 30°C this week. - Monday will see variable cloudiness and possible showers in the east and north, clearing to sunshine from the…
Farmers await Walloon minister's promised support: 'We need political backing'
- Farmers in Wallonia are awaiting concrete actions from Agriculture Minister Anne-Catherine Dalcq to address the sector's long-standing crisis. - While the Foire de Libramont serves as a festive gath…
New heatwave expected next week: 'What's unprecedented is the duration'
- Belgium is bracing for another heatwave expected to begin mid-next week, potentially reaching 35 degrees Celsius. - This would be the fourth heat episode of the year, following intense periods in la…
Two dead in violent Schaerbeek fire
- Two people died and eight others were injured, two seriously, in a violent fire in Schaerbeek, Belgium. - The fire spread rapidly through the common areas of a building with multiple apartments. - E…
Three arrested in France for endangering lives amid massive wildfire
- Three men were arrested in Gironde, France, for endangering lives amid a massive wildfire. - Two of the arrested individuals are accused of setting off fireworks. - Another man was detained for inte…
Belgian government's pre-recess deals mask deep budget divisions
- Belgian federal ministers reached an agreement on several issues before the summer break, but significant budget negotiations loom. - The government must find 10 billion euros by October for its 202…
Canadian intern at NATO's SHAPE arrested for espionage
- A Canadian national of Chinese origin, an intern at SHAPE, was arrested on espionage charges. - She is suspected of spying for a third country and participating in a criminal organization. - The arr…
Belgium launches 'Appropriate Care' plan to curb healthcare waste
- Belgium's Appropriate Care plan aims to reduce waste in the healthcare system by ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time from the right professionals. - The plan addresses is…
Belgian Healthcare Chief Warns Against Burdening Patients with Savings
- Pedro Facon, former "Mr. Covid," now heads Belgium's National Institute for Sickness and Disability Insurance (Inami). - He warns against healthcare savings that burden patients and caregivers, advo…
Brussels firefighters continue strike, reject government measures
- Brussels firefighters continue their strike over staffing and working conditions, rejecting the government's proposed measures. - The strike, now in its fourth day, has seen a participation rate nea…
Belgian Socialist Party Headquarters Undergoes Major Modernization
- The Socialist Party (PS) headquarters in Brussels has undergone significant renovations to modernize its spaces and foster interaction. - The building, historically linked to Belgian socialism, now …
Private school’s individualized teaching helps student advance two years in one
- A private school in Belgium offers individualized teaching for students with learning challenges. - The Anne Misonne school, founded in 1955, caters to children with ADHD, learning disabilities, and…
Flanders Pledges Airport Subsidies Until 2039 Amid Financial Agreement
- Flanders has agreed to subsidize regional airports, including Deurne and Ostend, until October 2039. - The agreement resolves a multi-year financial dispute between the Flemish region and airport op…
Nearly half of Arizona's savings focus on social security, experts say limited results so far
- Nearly half of Arizona's planned savings from 2025 onwards focus on social security. - Budgetary results from these savings are currently limited, according to a new expert group. - The analysis by …
“People enjoy this status, it needs to be revalued”: supplementary personal pension now accessible to complementary self-employed
- The Belgian Parliament has approved a reform of the supplementary personal pension for the self-employed (PLCI). - The reform makes the PLCI accessible to individuals with complementary self-employm…
La Toison d’Or, MR headquarters and showcase of "Bouchéisme"
- The headquarters of Belgium's MR party, La Toison d'Or, reflects the party's evolution and internal dynamics. - The building's history mirrors the shifts in leadership from Didier Reynders to George…
Belgium's government forgoes healthcare budget mission letter amid internal disagreement
- The Belgian government will not issue a mission letter to healthcare sector representatives to prepare the next budget, breaking with a new legal requirement. - The draft letter proposed budget cuts…
To Protect Its Local Radios, Belgium Adopts a Strong Stance Against Europe
- Belgium is taking a strong stance in European negotiations to protect local radio access in vehicles. - The country insists that car manufacturers must continue integrating radio reception, preventi…
National Day: Key Moments of July 21 in Images
- Belgium celebrated its National Day on July 21st with various ceremonies and festivities. - The royal family participated in religious services, met citizens, and attended military and civil parades…
Kegeljan, Ecolo's Idyllic Seat: 'This Building Is a Breath of Nostalgia and Melancholy for Me'
- The Ecolo party's Walloon stronghold, the Kegeljan estate near Namur, has been a symbol of the party's presence for 25 years. - The estate, a former hospice, plays a significant role in the internal…
Royal Family and Leaders Mark Belgium's National Holiday with Te Deum Service
- Belgium's royal family and political leaders attended a Te Deum service in Brussels to mark the national holiday. - The King and Queen, with their children, greeted hundreds of well-wishers outside …
Weather forecast: 25 degrees Celsius expected for Belgium's national holiday
- Belgium is expected to experience temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius for the national holiday. - The weather forecast indicates variable cloud cover, with clearer skies in most of the country in…
Flemish Liberals Worry About Public Finances, Defend Flexi-Jobs Against Budget Minister
- Alexia Bertrand, leader of the Flemish liberals in the Chamber, expresses concern over public finances. - She criticizes the current government's handling of the budget, contrasting it with past pro…
Belgian police oversight committee reiterates same recommendations after 35 years
- For 35 years, the Belgian police oversight committee (Comité P) has repeatedly issued the same eight recommendations, indicating implementation issues rather than a lack of rules. - Key recurring re…
Accordion Schedules Adopted: 'The Compromise on This Working Time Reform Is Flawed'
- Belgium's government approved a major reform of working time, introducing "accordion" schedules based on a 12-month reference period. - The reform aims to give companies more flexibility to adapt st…
Belgium to Allow Parents to Name Stillborn Infants
- Belgium is set to allow parents of stillborn infants to give their child a surname. - This change will apply to pregnancies between 140 and 179 days gestation. - The new legislation aims to provide …
Walloon Minister: Socialist Policies Failed Despite Public Funds in Wallonia
- Walloon Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Jeholet (MR) stated that socialist policies have failed despite significant public funding in Wallonia. - He believes a cultural shift is underway in the region …
Walloon Minister: Budget Woes Require Review of Social Gains
- Walloon Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Jeholet (MR) stated that resolving budgetary problems requires reconsidering social benefits. - The MR party opposes increasing taxes on businesses and citizens.…
Qatargate: Were Moroccan Secret Services, Spyware, and Intimidation Efforts Endangering Investigators? | La Libre Belgique (BE)
- Belgian State Security warned federal police in July 2022 about risks to Qatargate investigators. - Despite warnings, minimal security measures were implemented to protect the agents. - Confidential…
Controversial roundabout blocks to be removed: "Making and unmaking costs money"
- Brussels is set to remove over a hundred concrete blocks from the Montgomery roundabout, four years after their installation. - The removal is part of a broader plan to gradually phase out these blo…
Over 100 Homes Destroyed in Major Norway Fire; Cause Unknown
- A major fire in Krokstadelva, Norway, has destroyed over a hundred homes, with emergency services still working to control the blaze. - Strong winds are fanning the flames, and the cause of the fire…
In Brussels, one in four secondary students has problematic absence
- In Brussels, 26% of secondary school students had more than 9 unjustified absences in 2024-2025, a rate higher than the Belgian national average. - Nationally, 18% of young people in Brussels left s…
Brussels government agrees on summer package: tax cuts and new pools
- Brussels regional government agreed on a summer package including a 1% income tax cut and new swimming pools. - The tax reduction will save single individuals about 147 euros annually, costing the r…
Wallonia Ends Renovation Grants, Replaces Them With Subsidized Loans
- The Walloon government has replaced renovation grants with subsidized loans. - This change aims to encourage energy-efficient home improvements. - The new system, effective immediately, offers finan…
Brussels approves LEZ reform, introducing new passes and exemptions
- Brussels has approved a reform of its Low Emission Zone (LEZ) policy, confirming its initial timeline. - A new system will be introduced by 2027 to balance environmental goals with social justice, o…
Red alert for European roads as holiday traffic surges
- European highways face a red alert for traffic congestion on Saturday, with significant delays expected in France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. - France is a popular holiday destination…
Brussels: Stricter Language Prerequisites for Flemish Education Assessed
- Brussels is tightening language requirements for enrollment in Flemish schools. - Previously, only oral proficiency was assessed, but now parents must demonstrate reading, writing, comprehension, an…
Arizona coalition tensions rise over proposed healthcare savings
- Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke proposed saving 171.5 million euros in healthcare by 2027, with further savings of 638 million euros by 2029. - The proposal includes partially capping th…
Six Dead in Brussels Building Fire; Two Injured Critical But Stable
- Six people died in a fire at the OXY construction site in Brussels, which is converting the former city administration building into a multifunctional complex. - A small fire on the second floor was…
Brussels Government Faces Internal Strife Over Housing Office Reforms
- Tensions are high within the Brussels government over the implementation of recommendations from an inquiry commission on the Foyer anderlechtois housing office. - Some members, particularly from th…
Trump Adored Belgian Royals, Ambassador White Reveals; Missile Production Discussed
- U.S. Ambassador Bill White shared anecdotes about Donald Trump's positive relationship with the Belgian royal couple. - Trump expressed admiration for King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, prioritizing …
EU banks on 'silver economy' to counter aging population
- The European Union's population has reached a historic high of 450.6 million, with an average life expectancy of 81.5 years. - Projections indicate that by 2050, nearly one in three EU inhabitants w…
Belgium Faces Hot Tuesday with Temperatures Soaring to 33°C
- Belgium is expected to experience a hot Tuesday, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C in some areas. - The day will start with clear skies, but clouds will gather in the afternoon, potentially brin…
Forest fires: After Spain and France, is Belgium next? 'We regularly have fires affecting several hectares'
- Belgium is increasing its number of forest fires, though not to the scale seen in southern Europe. - Belgian firefighters are adopting French training and adapting equipment to combat more frequent,…
Brussels Unlocks 20 Million Euros to Aid Municipalities
- The Brussels government has allocated 20 million euros to support its 19 municipalities. - The funds will be distributed through three immediate measures: direct aid for investment, a call for proje…
Nearly Half of Belgians Bring Work Home: 'The Arrival of Children Can Reinforce This Need'
- A survey in Belgium found that 44% of workers are comfortable with their professional and private lives overlapping, while 43% prefer a clear separation. - Neuroscientist Katelijn Nijsmans notes tha…
Belgium eyes partial fee indexation for healthcare providers
- The Belgian government is considering partially indexing healthcare providers' fees, mirroring measures for employees and pensioners. - This potential budget measure aims to contribute to a 10 billi…
Paris wildfire spreads, disrupting transport and doubling previous year's damage
- A "very virulent" wildfire near Paris has disrupted traffic on the A6 highway and the high-speed South-East train line, causing significant delays. - The fire, which spread across the A5 highway, ha…
Georges-Louis Bouchez defends road vignette: 'It won't cost you one more euro'
- Georges-Louis Bouchez defended the road vignette, stating it will not increase costs for citizens. - He argued that the vignette is a necessary tool for infrastructure financing and that its impleme…
Heat Rises: Up to 35°C This Week as Summer Could Already Make History
- Belgium is experiencing a significant heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius this week. - Meteorologists warn that this could be the second heatwave of the year and p…
Belgium on yellow alert as temperatures could climb higher than expected
- Belgium is under a yellow alert for heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius daily for several days. - The heatwave, potentially reaching 37 degrees Celsius in some areas, is a…
British man unknowingly poisons partner with Novichok-laced perfume
- A British man unknowingly poisoned his partner, Dawn Sturgess, with Novichok after gifting her a perfume bottle found in a donation bin. - Sturgess died days after spraying the contaminated perfume,…
Holiday Travel Causes Over 900 km of Traffic Jams in France
- France is experiencing severe traffic congestion, with over 900 km of traffic jams reported on a single day. - The "black" traffic classification affects major routes in the West, North, and Central…
Belgian Navy Warns of Frigate 'Capacity Hole' Amidst Major Program Delays
- The Belgian Navy faces a potential capability gap in frigates due to significant delays and cost overruns in its new frigate program, developed in partnership with the Netherlands. - While Belgium i…
Belgian Navy Warns of Russian 'Ghost Fleet' Threatening Maritime Security
- The Belgian Navy is increasingly concerned about Russia's "ghost fleet" of over a thousand ships used to circumvent international sanctions. - These vessels engage in suspicious activities, includin…
