flandersfocus on THE DUTCH SPEAKING PART OF press review weekly, does not appear in July • number 17 • 4 May – 10 May 2002

INTRODUCTION fla Quicker deregulation of nat- r la ndr he weekend editions of a u e s • s f u o c c number of Flemish news- o u T f s

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u murder was only punished a • decision at the European Sum- ERIK DE LEYE • DE FINANCIEEL- f o s k Amit in Barcelona specified that ECONOMISCHE TIJD • 4 MAY u with a reprimand. The facts are from 2004 all non-domestic natur- the following. In 1998, near Schaarbeek station, al gas consumers, or at least 60% of According to the Flemish Minister Flemish electrician Patrick Mombaerts was hit on the natural gas market in volume, for Energy, Steve Stevaert (SP.A), the head with an iron bar that pierced his skull. needs to be deregulated. Belgian 430 companies are good for half of The offender, a thirteen-year-old Moroccan youth, companies that use more than 25 all natural gas consumption. Until was part of a gang that was after Mombaerts's million m3 natural gas each year the beginning of October, these and his friend's wallet. The juvenile offender spent and companies that generate elec- companies can only buy natural gas 7 months in a secure institution and after three tricity using natural gas have been from the intermunicipal natural years' supervision got away with a reprimand and able to choose where they buy gas company in their municipality 178,000 euros of compensation to be paid to the their natural gas since the begin- or directly from the Belgian natural family of the victim. The offender, who is now 16, ning of August 2000. The Flemish gas importer, Distrigas. has to pay that sum in full alone. Whilst waiting, Mombaerts's widow can appeal to the Reparation government will give all Flemish As from the beginning of 2004, all Fund for victims of acts of violence. According to businesses with a consumption in customers, including families in the juvenile court, this was an unfortunate event excess of 1 million m3 the right to Flanders, will be given the right to in the development of the boy, whose behaviour choose where they buy their natur- choose where they buy their natur- has since been exemplary at all times. Public opin- al gas as from October this year, al gas. From then on, the Flemish ion was outraged. On the very same day Justice and all private natural gas con- natural gas market will be fully Minister Verwilghen (VLD) condemned the verdict sumers as from 2004 (FF). deregulated. The Flemish govern- in Het Laatste Nieuws. After discussions with Pre- ment is following the example of mier Verhofstadt (VLD), he announced that he the electricity market. The Flem- would use his positive right of injunction to force CONTENTS ish electricity market will be en- the Public Prosecutor to appeal. According to the tirely free as from 1 July 2003. Ste- offender's solicitor, Verwilghen is acting like a bull Politics vaert says that the competition cre- in a china shop and is seeking cheap electoral suc- Flanders reacts with shock at ated by deregulation will ensure a cess. According to him, Verwilghen was not even death of Pim Fortuyn 2 better service and better prices. To aware that the offender had thrown the bar over Discussion over demonisation avoid chaos when the market his shoulder, with no intent to do harm. Further- of Fortuyn flares up 3 opens up, provisions have been more, the ‘soft’ juvenile protection law from N-VA in search of an electorate 4 made for a transitional regulation, 1965, which is aimed at protecting young people More power for municipalities 4 just as with the electricity market. from themselves and society from them, still ap- This stipulates that all natural gas plies. Verwilghen feels the law is out of date given Politics and mobility consumers who are free to choose the current state of juvenile crime and wants to in- Heinzmann puts government in will be informed at least two troduce more vigorous juvenile penile law that is a tight spot 5 months beforehand. Anyone who more effective at deterring young criminals. In his Heinzmann’s controversial does not choose another supplier proposal, he wants to introduce custodial sen- resignation 6 will automatically retain their pre- tences for young criminals up to a maximum of vious one. The and Wal- three years and lock them up in special federal ju- venile prisons. On the other hand, they would be Economy loon Regions have not yet estab- given more legal guarantees: a satisfactory trial, Good results for Agfa Gevaert 6 lished a timetable for the deregula- the right to a defence and a pre-custody ruling. tion of their natural gas markets. Francophone and Flemish magistrates' associa- Society 7 They are also much slower in open- tions were unhappy that Verwilghen was courting racist murder in Schaarbeek 6 ing up their electricity markets publicity in such a delicate matter. The PS even Cannabis use no longer legal than Flanders. claimed that Verwilghen is abusing the case for offence in private 7 political ends, more specifically to force through his juvenile penile law. Culture Flemish-Dutch house in Brussels 7 Frank Vandecaveye | editor in chief

focus on FLANDERS • 4 May - 10 May 2002 • Number 17 2 politics

FORTUYN The man heading the list that bears his name, Pim Fortuyn, a politician Flanders reacts with shock who was accused of undemocratic attitudes, has suddenly become a at death of Pim Fortuyn martyr of democracy. Is it possible to consult the voter under such cir- im Fortuyn, the populist who headlining the victory of democra- cumstances? Can that produce a Pmoved through Dutch politics cy in France, where Jean-Marie Le fair result? We don't think so. like a whirlwind, was murdered in Pen was defeated. Opinion is di- cold blood one week before the vided as to how things were al- LUC VANDER KELEN • HET LAATSTE elections. The announcement of lowed to go so far in the Nether- NIEUWS • 7 MAY the attack sent a shockwave lands (FF). through the Netherlands. This was I do not want to establish a causal the first time a politician had been link between the smear campaign murdered in this tolerant country. Opinion against everything that is far-right Outgoing Prime Minister Wim Kok and nationalist and the murder of (PvdA) called it an enormous blow Fortuyn. A murder of a politician to the democratic constitutional YVES DESMET • DE MORGEN • 7 MAY requires only a madman with a state. In recent local elections in gun. Let us not therefore be too Rotterdam, Fortuyn won 34.7% of Professor Pim was a controversial quick to judge or condemn and not the vote and was well on his way and complex figure, not to be com- blame politics as a whole. But to pulling off a stunt in the nation- pared with the one-dimensional, politicians must realise that not al elections too with his ‘Lijst Pim often highly predictable figures everyone sees their discourse as a Fortuyn’. According to one opinion who are in charge of the far-right sharp political difference of opin- poll, his party may even become elsewhere in Europe. Fortuyn was a ion and nothing more than that. the biggest in the Netherlands. He populist, not a fascist and did link Previously, their words were gener- largely owed this to what he him- intelligent and complex analyses ally limited to the privacy of Par- self called the ability to articulate of the multicultural caring society liament, today TV brings them what the man in the street was to overly simple and unsubstanti- straight into the viewers' living thinking, but also to his unparal- ated sloganesque solutions. The rooms. Weak souls who shoot leled media-friendly charisma. most bizarre thing was perhaps the politicians sometimes feel ‘called’ Fortuyn, flamboyant and openly way he seamlessly combined ultra- to do something. In a media-driven gay, breathed life into the grey, libertarian and conservative atti- world a politician must not be too anaemic world of Dutch politics, tudes, a hitherto unseen mix of quick to use big words. but had not previously been able ideas that had previously been her- to thrive in any political party. Not metically sealed in left and right in the PvdA, not in the CDA and camps … not even in ‘Leefbaar Nederland’, Fortuyn was a polemic man and where he headed the list of candi- the word was his weapon. As is dates. With his comments on proper in a democracy, where ‘backward’ Islam and his proposal words should be the only weapons to close the borders to the influx of between political opponents. Post- immigrants he made himself un- poning the elections would mean wanted. Many politicians felt he an even greater capitulation to the was dangerous and repulsive and enemies of democracy. Perhaps the compared him to politicians such elections of 15 May will turn out to as Haider, Le Pen or Vlaams Blok be a posthumous tribute to Profes- figure-head Dewinter which made sor Pim. Perhaps his party will be- him extremely angry. He did not come the biggest in the Nether- want to be pushed into the far- lands. So be it. That is democracy. right corner. Fortuyn knew how to And it must overcome this most play the media better than anyone cowardly murder. else. His appearance caused view- ing figures to soar, TV crews PAUL GEUDENS • GAZET VAN flocked to his villa, where he wel- ANTWERPEN • 7 MAY 2002 comed them. 41% of all articles in newspapers devoted to politicians The television pictures of Pim For- were about ‘Professor Pim’ (Het tuyn's lifeless body immediately Laatste Nieuws, 7 May). His rise called to mind images of the Liège was also followed with great inter- car park where André Cools was est in the Flemish press. He gave shot. At the time, Liège was even interviews to De Morgen and De renamed ‘Palermo on the Maas’. Standaard. Dismay at his murder The Dutch press jumped on the sto- was therefore all the more pro- ry. Those corrupt, crazy Belgians! nounced in Flanders. On the very On Monday it emerged that no so- day when the front pages were ciety is immune to this abhorrence.

focus on FLANDERS • 4 May - 10 May 2002 • Number 17 politics 3

FORTUYN

doing aroused hatred of Fortuyn. It Discussion over demonisa- is nonsense to pin a repugnant act by an individual onto the political tion of Fortuyn flares up establishment. It was Pim Fortuyn who stirred up the political debate The Dutch will still go to the polls May), Fortuyn called Dewinter a in the Netherlands with over-sim- on 15 May. Prime Minister Kok fascist (FF). plified statements. The established (PvdA) announced this to the First political parties cannot be re- Chamber on 7 May. Members of proached for having avoided dis- the Fortuyn list had asked Kok for cussion and polemic with him. the elections not to be postponed. Opinion Lively debates and passing the If Fortuyn wins a massive score blame onto one another are part of posthumously, they will profit political debate. The press also from it. And yet Fortuyn had previ- PETER VANDERMEERSCH • took some flack as the messenger. ously announced that no-one on DE STANDAARD • 8 MAY The media apparently collaborated his list was competent enough to, in the demonisation of Fortuyn. for example, do the job of a minis- Fortuyn's death must also strength- This accusation does not hold wa- ter. The members of his list seem to en democracy outside the Nether- ter either. At the time of Fortuyn's have realised this too. There will lands. That does not go without emergence the Dutch press had be no new leading candidate. No- saying. The vultures are already cir- just been accused of too often giv- one can follow in Pim Fortuyn's cling Fortuyn's body. It is entirely ing Fortuyn a platform and being footsteps, but voters should be misplaced of Filip Dewinter to too uncritical of the new star in the able to vote for the dead candidate quickly declare that ‘the media and political firmament. Both shocked as a mark of honour. Nevertheless, the establishment carry an over- prominent members of the LPF and the decision is seen as a positive whelming responsibility’. the Vlaams Blok, with which, signal in the Flemish press, be- He suggests that the open debate on moreover, Fortuyn furiously reject- cause it shows that democracy will the values of the far-right - and se- ed any comparison, are claiming not give in to murder (De Morgen, vere attacks on their xenophobic that the media and political parties De Standaard, 8 May), although De aspects - are paving the way for are creating an atmosphere of in- Financieel-Economische Tijd (8 murderers. It is only a small step to tolerance around far-right or pop- May) has objections. A ballot pa- banning the counter-debate. Demo- ulist parties. That is a bizarre accu- per is not a book of remembrance, cracy is served by free media, in sation when you think that Pim the paper maintains. which the debate is conducted Fortuyn but also the Vlaams Blok The perpetrator of the attack, a 32- forcefully and loudly. Media that are not exactly renowned for being year-old animal-rights activist, may are allowed to have politically in- the most tolerant parties where mi- well have been caught, but the dis- correct thoughts, uninhibited and norities or dissenters are con- cussion has flared up about the guilt non-conformist. Media that listen cerned. of the political establishment and to the criticisms of people such as the press in the so-called ‘demonisa- Fortuyn and others of our society, tion’ of Fortuyn. that analyses their proposals and, The Vlaams Blok has again tried to yes, may also criticise them. People take full advantage of Fortuyn's who point a finger at the media for murder by seeing itself as the victim Fortuyn's cowardly murder refuse of demonisation by the political ‘es- to play by the democratic rules - tablishment’ and the press. Blok fig- with statement and contradiction. urehead Philip Dewinter, who People who try to curb the media named, among others, VLD Chair- are trying to cash in politically on man Karel De Gucht and former Fortuyn's murder. This is more SP.A Chairman as than inappropriate. instigators of a smear campaign against the Blok, got tit for tat. De Gucht accused the Vlaams Blok of behaving like a body-snatcher. Tob- BAS KURSTJENS • DE FINANCIEEL- back reminded the party of the ties ECONOMISCHE TIJD • 8 MAY it had in the past with the paramili- tary, violent VMO group. The Chairman of the Vlaams Blok, Even Marten Fortuyn, Pim's brother Frank Vanhecke, yesterday found and a resident of Flanders, finds it it necessary to lay the blame for inappropriate that the Blok sees it- Fortuyn's murder partly on the tra- self as an ally of his brother. ‘Mr ditional political parties. He Dewinter's legacy did not affect claims they demonised Pim For- Pim. It was not shared by Pim and is tuyn, in the same way as the not shared by us,’ says the brother. Vlaams Blok is depicted as the dev- In an interview with De Morgen (4 il incarnate in Belgium, and in so

focus on FLANDERS • 4 May - 10 May 2002 • Number 17 4 politics

PARTIES LOCAL AUTHORITIES More decision-ma- N-VA seeks an electorate king power for mu- ith 95% of the votes and no cal immigrant voting rights possi- nicipalities, stronger Wopposing candidate, Geert ble. Subject to a scaled-down fast- municipal councils Bourgeois was confirmed in his ca- track Belgian law, the N-VA wants pacity as Chairman of the Nieuw- to grant immigrant voting rights to Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) at the people who have been in the coun- FF EDITORIAL TEAM members' conference held in Leu- try for 5 years. ven on 4 and 5 May. It was the first Flemish Minister for Internal Af- members' conference since the fairs Paul Van Grembergen has fin- party arose from the split up of the ished his proposal for a new Munic- Volksunie. According to Bour- Opinion ipalities Decree. The most striking geois, the N-VA is an alternative thing about it is that it places the for Flemish voters who previously BART STURTEWAGEN • DE STANDAARD future of 441 aldermen in the bal- voted VLD (Liberals) and who feel •4 MAY ance, according to De Standaard (8 that Verhofstadt has betrayed May). In his proposal for a new Mu- Flanders. This also applies to CVP In barely 6 months the militants nicipalities Decree, which he will voters (Christian democrats) who have disposed of almost 10,000 submit to the Flemish government, want straightforward politics and membership cards. Many former Van Grembergen limits the number for Vlaams Blok (Far right) voters VU members, a large number of of aldermen in the biggest towns to who feel their party finds right- whom had quit some time ago. But eight and almost every municipali- wing extremism more important also many new faces. That shows ty will lose one alderman. Because than support of the Flemish move- there is significant demand for a Van Grembergen does not want al- ment. Bourgeois gratefully seized respectable party. A party that al- dermen to continue sitting on mu- on the hullabaloo surrounding the most on principle adopts the posi- nicipal councils, and therefore be resignation of NMBS boss Heinz- tion of an opponent, of a party that replaced by successors, there will mann to illustrate his vision of the whips up emotion. A party that be an additional 1,120 municipal Belgian state. The national rail- scathingly notes any shortcoming, council members. According to ways company, the NMBS, which any departure from the ideal and Van Grembergen, the office of al- he sardonically renamed the provides pure, logical alternatives. derman has become more profes- NMPS, is a symbol of the P(arti) A party that assumes an unbridge- sional and is better paid, such that S(ocialiste) state that Belgium has able Belgian north-south conflict it has even occasionally become a become (FF). and a mistrustful vision of Europe. part-time or full-time job. In addi- A party that embraces the public tion, reducing the number of alder- BART EECKHOUT • DE MORGEN • 6 MAY cause and keeps away from anti- men will strengthen the municipal politics. This kind of manifesto council. That is also one of the ob- will appeal mainly to people with a jectives of Van Grembergen's new The first members' conference of strong interest in politics. Who Municipalities Decree. the N-VA barely established half of have seen, heard and read every- Municipalities are no longer under the party points of view. At the top thing. Who have strong feelings the ‘guardianship’ of the Flemish of the list is Flemish independence. about Flemish interests, efficient government, but will become part- The N-VA no longer makes such a government and political gravity. ners of the government. That is the fuss over state reform: Flanders The question is and will remain: philosophy of two supervisory de- must become an independent how many voters fit this profile. crees currently being discussed in member state of a Federal Europe. The polls are not optimistic. There the Flemish Parliament. The de- The capital will remain Brussels, is a chance that the party discourse crees limit the supervision of the which will form an integral part of will appeal mainly to a strongly Flemish government of municipali- Flanders. N-VA's Flanders will also motivated group. Its appeal be- ties and provinces. Only the legali- become a republic, with a purely yond this group will depend on ac- ty of their decisions will continue ceremonial president at its head. tual topics. to be monitored. Not the opportu- The 1,000 or so people who attend- nity, unless their decisions conflict ed the conference also agonised with the interests of other munici- over immigration policy. The N-VA palities. Their decisions can also be wants a compulsory naturalisation implemented immediately and will process for all newcomers. Anyone not have to wait for the formal ap- who successfully completes this proval of the Flemish government. and remains in the country legally Only in the event of a complaint for 5 years would be eligible for a will the Flemish government take permanent residence permit. Bel- action. gian (or later Flemish) nationality would only come after 10 years' res- idence. For the party, this tighten- ing up of nationality laws is an ab- solute precondition for making lo-

focus on FLANDERS • 4 May - 10 May 2002 • Number 17 politics and mobility 5

Heinzmann puts govern- RIK VAN CAUWELAERT • KNACK • 8 MAY Verhofstadt had resolved to keep ment in a tight spot the trade unions out of the NMBS management with this govern- hristian Heinzmann has bare- circumstances. According to ment. This was not only a liberal Cly been boss of the NMBS for 5 Heinzmann, indications of ac- requirement, but also a green one. days, but the comments he made counting irregularities at the This exclusion has now become re- behind closed doors on 6 May in NMBS were the deciding factor in ality. And now CD&V member the Chamber Committee for his decision to step down. Etienne Schouppe has finally been Transport and Infrastructure con- The opposition takes it hard that shunted off and replaced by Chris- tain enough fireworks to make Premier Verhofstadt distributed the tian Heinzmann. What the recent- things very difficult for Premier amended letter last Thursday in the ly appointed Heinzmann did not Verhofstadt (VLD) and Transport Chamber as Heinzmann's ‘inner know, he has now discovered in Minister Durant (Ecolo). Accord- conviction’. Verhofstadt and Du- that he has been put in charge of ing to Heinzmann, his original let- rant also used the letter of resigna- the most politicised company in ter of resignation was re-written tion to defend their criticism of the Belgium and his job of managing by the office of Transport Minister current structures of the NMBS. director is entirely undermined be- Durant. In the version that Pre- Minister Durant's Principal Private cause he needs a second signature mier Verhofstadt waved around in Secretary confirmed yesterday that of a politically appointed director- the Chamber Debate on his resig- the government had changed general for each decision. Liberal nation, Heinzmann thanked Du- Heinzmann's letter of resignation, politicians in particular are con- rant and said that the intimida- but, supposedly, the government vinced that the components of the tions of the trade unions and the never attempted to re-write the rea- state apparatus - post office, rail- NMBS management had become sons the manager gave for his resig- ways, public broadcasting compa- too much for him. But in an earlier nation. The change was only made ny - can be run as large companies. version he had listed many more to be legally certain that Heinz- Some managers also believe that. reasons for his resignation. All the mann would continue to head the However, those who have dared to reasons for his resignation suggest- railways company until a successor take the plunge, such as Frans ed that both the government and was appointed. Rombouts (Post Office), Luc Beer- himself had bungled. Heinzmann naert (Federal Food Agency) and did not really want the job, but re- Opinion now also Heinzmann, quickly luctantly accepted the offer after found that in these state enterpris- persistent urging from Durant. Af- YVES DESMET • DE MORGEN • 7 MAY es different needs and balances ap- terwards he found out that he was ply compared to those of pure mar- being joined by a politically ap- The first conclusion is that with ket regulations. And those bal- pointed member of the PS and that hindsight we should perhaps be ances, largely the result of difficult the accounts had been embell- glad that the Luxembourg airline negotiations, cannot be upset. Be- ished. MPs want Heinzmann to ap- boss did not take charge of the cause if big politics and big labour pear before the Committee again NMBS, because after yesterday no collide, accidents happen. Just on 10 May. Many described his per- one will accuse Heinzmann of ex- think of Sabena and now the formance as weak and not very cessive motivation, knowledge of NMBS. In this scenario, consider- convincing (FF). the situation and strength of char- able patience is required to restore acter. But secondly, and more im- the mutual trust between politics, IVAN BROECKMEIER/RENAAT SCHROTEN - portantly, is that his testimony re- management and unions. One DE FINANCIEEL • ECONOMISCHE TIJD • veals that the government over- thing is perfectly clear after Heinz- 7 MAY stepped the mark in this affair, mann's sudden change of fortune: more specifically, of rewriting his- under this government and with Heinzmann said that the Commit- tory. this guardianship minister, the ma- tee members had adapted his initial If what Heinzmann says is true jor reform of the Belgian railways letter of resignation in consulta- and if ministerial offices did in- has become pretty much impossi- tion with Durant's office. Accord- deed tinker with his letter of resig- ble. ing to various Committee mem- nation to lay the responsibility for bers, Heinzmann spoke of a first his decision squarely with the draft that was much more critical of trade unions and exonerate the government policy. In his first let- government of any blame, this is a ter, Heinzmann wrote, just as in the scandal and the minister in charge version that has been in circulation must take responsibility. There is since 1 May, of the threats and hin- one way to find out: Heinzmann drances by trade unions and the must provide the Chamber Com- NMBS management. But he also mittee with a copy of his original wrote that the government appoint- letter of resignation, which can be ed him and that he had never for- compared with the version issued mally applied for the job. Also, the by Durant's office. recruitment process had began too quickly and in unclear contractual

focus on FLANDERS • 4 May - 10 May 2002 • Number 17 6 mobility, economy and social policy

RAILWAYS RACISM Racist murder in Heinzmann's controversial Schaarbeek resignation (2) n Schaarbeek, on the night of 6 Iand 7 May, a rash 79-year-old n Tuesday 7 May, Christian reached just before his arrival. It man shot dead his downstairs OHeinzmann gave the letter to put his back against the wall but neighbours, a Moroccan couple, the Chamber in which, initially, was already a fait accompli. He also and seriously wounded two chil- he announced his wish to resign as talks of a certain pressure he expe- dren. Afterwards he set fire to his railways boss. The contents of the rienced from certain media and own flat and engaged in a shoot- letter, as Heinzmann testified in members of the Board of Directors, out with police. During the shoot- the Chamber Committee on Mon- who warned him he would not last out he was hit in the chest. The day, varies significantly from the longer than six months. man was known for his openly actual letter of resignation that He says that no contractual propos- racist attitudes. Together with his was drafted in conjunction with al was ever put that defined German Shepherd, he made the Transport Minister Isabelle Du- the guidelines and conditions of his neighbourhood unsafe, claim rant's office (Ecolo). According to appointment. He says that some neighbours, who are also critical Durant's office, the document is people thought Minister Durant of the police. After all, it was not nothing more than a memo with was sitting on an ejector seat, the police but a neighbour who no signature or date. Durant main- which, given the political nature of managed to rescue three children tains that she refused to accept the the appointment, left him unpro- from the fire. The motives for the memo. ‘The CD&V's insinua- tected from her successor. crime remain a mystery, although tions’, that the letter of resignation Heinzmann speaks of the uncertain a neighbour claims that after Le has been tampered with are sim- nature of his appointment and its Pen's defeat he said that ‘if the ply not true, says Durant's office possible abolition before the Front National can't do it, he (FF). courts. Finally, he refers to his fam- would sort things out.’ According ily life, which was disrupted and to Johan Leman, Director of the RENAAT SCHROOTEN/GUY MEEÛS • DE threatened by his new job. Heinz- Centre for Equal Opportunities FINANCIEEL-ECONOMISCHE TIJD • 8 MAY mann does not mention the worry- and the Fight against Racism there ing accounting information he re- is very likely a link between hatred Heinzmann states seven reasons ferred to before the Committee on of immigrants and violent behav- for his resignation. First, he com- Monday. iour (FF). plains he had no say in the appoint- ment of his assistants. He talks of a ISA VAN DORSSELAER • DE STANDAARD highly politically charged appoint- • 8 MAY ments procedure. Secondly, Heinz- mann refers to the Collective ‘The recording of racially motivat- Labour Agreement that was ed violence falls well short. When such acts are reported, the police of- ten fail to qualify them as 'racial'. COMPANIES They simply retain grievous bodily harm, because racism does not Agfa-Gevaert: surprisingly good results count as an aggravating circum- stance. Racially inspired violence is few months ago the tions’ division has grown by 30%. therefore systematically underesti- Aimage-processing firm Agfa- Digital technologies look towards mated. As a result, the impression Gevaert was forced to draw up a the future and offer good prospects in this country is that a xenophobic painful recovery plan that would over time. They already account for body of ideas exists but it is not as- cost some EUR 550 million. Various 34% of total group turnover. Last sociated with violence. We hope sites had to be closed and 4,000 jobs year that figure was 25%. The tech- that recording this violence will were lost. Apparently, the recovery nical imaging division (image solu- improve now that racism is seen as plan, referred to as Horizon, has tions for hospitals and industry), an aggravating circumstance in the had a greater effect than expected. traditionally the most profitable in eyes of the law.’ The Vlaams Blok True, profits have fallen by 15% the group, saw its overall turnover has become more cautious in its and turnover by 3.8%, but that is share rise by 2% to 39%. Graphic phraseology, partly because an ap- still significantly better than stock- systems amounted to 40%. The peal has yet to be made in the pro- market analysts had predicted. At share of traditional consumer prod- ceedings against Vlaams Blok non- EUR 103 million, the operating ucts fell further, to 20%. The costs profit organisations. ‘But they have profit was even 35% higher than in of the restructuring plan were been letting people off for years,’ the first quarter of 2001 (FF). mostly written off to 2001, but a says Leman. Philip Dewinter further EUR 100 million has to be (Vlaams Blok) replies: ‘We are the MARC BALDUYCK • GAZET VAN ANTWER- entered for the current year. valve through which a great deal of PEN • 8 MAY dissatisfaction can be released. Pre- cisely because of this, there are no Meanwhile, it's encouraging that attacks on foreigners in Flanders.’ the sale of the ‘New digital solu-

focus on FLANDERS • 4 May - 10 May 2002 • Number 17 public health and culture 7

PUBLIC HEALTH prosecute or to refer the user. The penalties for cannabis use that Private cannabis use no causes a public nuisance will be much more severe. Smoking a joint longer criminal offence, in the street, on a train or in the presence of minors will remain an offence. ‘The penalties have even public use more so increased,’ said Premier Verhofs- tadt. In this way the government wants to show that it is serious in It took a year for the coalition only record the fact: ‘You can its battle against disorder that T agreement on the new policy smoke a joint in your garden, even paves the way to feelings of insecu- of tolerance for cannabis use to be if your next-door neighbour is a po- rity. But first, someone needs to in- enshrined in a bill. The Green par- liceman,’ says Joannes Thuy, troduce a complaint, Verwilghen's ties had become dissatisfied with spokesperson for Minister Ver- office pointed out. the sluggishness with which Jus- wilghen. ‘The only thing he can do tice Minister Verwilghen (VLD) is make a note, which has no fur- implemented the agreement. But ther consequences.’ However, if on Friday 3 May the draft was fi- the cannabis smoker no longer has nally approved by the federal gov- his use under control (‘problematic ernment, together with the imple- use’) a report is drafted. It is then up menting decrees. Personal use of to the courts to decide whether to cannabis is no longer a criminal of- fence, but the penalties for smok- ing a joint which causes a nui- sance in public places have been % OF JOB SEEKING SCHOOL LEAVERS (1 YEAR AFTER DIPLOMA) increased, i.e. three months to a 60 50,2 1995 year in prison and fines of EUR 500 48,9 1998 50 to 10,000 (FF). 2001

40 32,8 25,2 30,5 18,7 RUUD GOOSSENS - DE MORGEN - 4 MAY 25,5 11,8 16,8 18,9 30 24,1 13,7 18,5 22,8 11,9 22,8 21,4 14,5 20,3 9,4 15,2 15,6 17,8 The Royal Decree distinguishes be- 20 14,0 14,0 12,8 6,6 tween single use, problematic use 10 and public nuisance. In the first 0 two instances the same penalties Primary Formation Secondary Technical Vocational Higher Higher Univer- TOTAL school self-employed School School Training Education Education sity apply as for public drunkenness. In (Lower type) (Long type) the case of single use, the police can SOURCE: VDAB

CULTURAL POLICY ish Community Committee of Flemish-Dutch house Brussels(VGC) is also aiming for greater visibility in Brussels. The Monnaie House, currently the alongside De Munt home base of the Municipal Public Library, is to become a Flemish in- or some time, Flemish Culture the Flemish Community had formation counter in the heart of FMinister Bert Anciaux (Spirit) bought a nineteenth-century prop- Brussels. At this central point there has been looking for a location for erty close to the Muntschouwburg, is to be a ‘Flemish Communica- a Flemish-Dutch House in Brus- on the corner of Leopoldstraat and tions House’. Robert Delathouwer, sels. Last year his eye fell on the the Wolvengracht (FF). responsible for Culture in the Flem- Kladaradatsch cinema, but the ar- ish Community Committee (of chitectural gem was snatched from GEERT VANDER SPEETEN Brussels), recently announced this under his nose by, of all things, the • DE STANDAARD • 4 MAY at the presentation of his policy French Community. In a legal spar- statement. ring match with the French Com- The Flemish-Dutch Meeting Place Talks with the Dutch on a Flemish- munity that took on vaudevillian has found a magnificent, symbolic Dutch House were suspended after airs he came off worst. After this place in Leopoldstraat. The project the early collapse of the govern- debacle, however, the Flemish also fits in perfectly with Anciaux's ment. ‘The actual implementation Minister for Culture had learned Brussels policy, which is aimed at remains unclear,’ says Koen T'Si- his lesson. He asked his Head of In- strengthening the Flemish presence jen, spokesperson for Minister An- frastructure to continue looking in the capital. Through the various ciaux. Meanwhile a consensus has for a prestigious property in the Flemish initiatives the Munt- been reached over the concept. heart of Brussels in the utmost se- schouwburg now appears surround- Rick Van der Ploeg, until recently crecy. He recently announced that ed by a Flemish enclave. The Flem- Bert Anciaux' Dutch colleague, had

focus on FLANDERS • 4 May - 10 May 2002 • Number 17 8 culture opposed a too narrow implementa- Centre for Europe’. The views have wavelength. Three Dutch and three tion of the Flemish-Dutch House. now been reconciled. The Nether- Flemish advisers are now working He preferred a ‘Dutch-Flemish lands and Flanders are on the same on a concrete proposal.

• 23 May: Flanders Royal Philharmonic Or- • Until 2 June 2002: Brains in action, chestra with piano concerto by Prokoviev exhibition, Museum of Natural Sciences, Diary and Symphonic dances by Rachmaninov, De Brussels; info: 02/627.42.52 Bijloke, Ghent; info: 09/225.65.82 www.de- www.natuurwetenschappen.be bijloke.be MUSIC, DANCE THEATRE • Until 2 June: About the Head, exhibition, • 24 May: Ex Tempore/I Gardinellino/Florian Museum Dr.Ghuislain, Ghent; Heyerick with compositions by Zelenk, Fux, info: 09/216.35.95 www.fracarita.be • Until 17 November: Bruges 2002, Cultural Bach, Händel and Telemann; De Bijloke, • Until November: Living Tomorrow, where Capital of Europe; info: 070/22.33.02 Ghent; info: 09/225.65.82 www.debijloke.be visions meet, the house of the future, Vil- www.brugge2002.be • 17 May: Mercedes Sosa, PSK, Brussels; voorde; info: www.livtom.be • 26 April to 26 May: Belfry Happening, info: 02/507.82.00 www.psk_pba.be • Until 30 June: Bruges 2002 Impact, 1902 Re- Aalst, guest country: Ireland with Eimear • 21 May: Zakir Hussain Percussions Ensem- visited: The Flemish Primitives at Bruges, ex- Quinn (10 May), Dervish (5 May) and Tom ble (India), De Singel, Antwerp; info: hibition, Arentshuis, Bruges; info: Hannes with Liffey (dance, 11 May); organi- 03/248.28.28 www.desingel.be 070/22.33.02 www.brugge2002.be sation CC De Werf; info: 053/73.28.12 • 23 to 25 May, Jan Lauwers/Need Company, • Until 30 June: Jan Van Eyck, The Flemish www.aalst.be/dewerf Images of affection, theatre, De Singel, Primitives and the South, Groeningemuseum, • 3 to 25 May: Kunstenfestival des Arts, Antwerp; info: 03/248.28.28 Bruges Brussels; info: 070/222.1999 www.kunsten- www.desingel.be • Until 26 May: Rik Wouters, exhibition, festivaldesarts.be • 22 to 25 May: Forced Entertainment/Tim KMSK, Anwerp; info: 03/238.78.09 • Until 17 May: La Fancillula del West by Etchells, Starfucker, Downtown (text and www.antwerpen.be/cultuur/kmska Puccini, directed by Robert Carsen, Flanders performance) and Meg Stuart/Damaged • Until 26 May: Rik Wouters, exhibition, PSK, Opera, Ghent and Antwerp; info: Goods, private room, I'm all yours, soft Brussels; info: 02/507.84.66 www.pskpba.be 03/233.66.85 and 09/225.24.25 wear, Kaaitheaterstudio's, Brussels; info: • Until 25 June: Photo Festival Knokke-Heist • 14 to 17 May: William Kentridge/Kevin 02/201.59.59 www.kaaitheater.be with Erwin Olaf, Paradise 2001, Photo Exhibi- Volans/Handspring Puppet Company (USA), • 22 to 25 May: Emio Greco/PC, Rimasto tion, CC Scharpoord, Knokke-Heist Confessions, Kaaitheater, Brussels Orfano (dance), Kaaitheater, Brussels; info: • Until 18 July: Rubens and the Flemish Baroque painters www.kunstenfestivaldesarts.be 02/201.59.59 www.kaaitheater.be , exhibition, City Hall, Brus- sels; info: 02/279.64.34 • 14 to 17 May: Meg Stuart/Damaged Goods, • 22 May: Morgan Heritage, Ancienne Bel- • Until 26 May: James Welling: Abstract, exhi- Alibi, De Singel, Antwerp; info: 03/248.28.28 gique, Brussels; info: 02/548.24.24 www.ab- bition, PSK, Brussels; info: 02/507.84.66 www.desingel.be concerts.be • 11 to 14 May: Lynda Gaudreau, Document www.pskpba.be • 24 May: De La Soul, Ancienne Belgique, • Until 14 July: Silver work by the De Vecchi 3, dance, Théâtre Varia, Brussels; info: Brussels; info: 02/548.24.24 www.abcon- 070/222.199 www.kunstenfestivaldesarts.be Family, Provincial Museum Sterckshof- certs.be Zilvercentrum, Antwerp; info: 03/360.52.50 • 15 and 16 May: Forced Entertainment:Tim • 25 May: Peace concerts, Yzertoren, Diks- Etchells (GB), Instructions for Forgetting, • Until 23 June, The Brueghel Firm, exhibition, muide, with Khaled, Sertab Erener, Yemey Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Brussels; info: Kaaitheaterstudio’s, Brussels; info: Habentime and Boban Markovic Orkestar, www.kunstenfestivaldesarts.be 02/508.32.11 info: 051/50.02.86 www.tenvrede.be • Until 16 June: with Emile Salkin • 15 May: Destiny’s Child, Sportpaleis, • 22 to 25 May: Musa Gitana, Paco Pena and (Bel), Desmond Morris (GB), Ergin Inan Antwerp; info: 0900/26060 Flamenco company, Stadsschouwburg, (Turkey) and Clovis Trouille (Fr), exhibition, Jewel • 15 May: , Ancienne Belgique, Brus- Antwerp; info: 0900/00991 PMMK, Ostend; info: 059/50.81.18 sels; info: 02/548.24.24 www.abconcerts.be 28 May: Chris Robinson, Ancienne Belgique, www.pmmk.be • 15 May: Wiener Symphoniker conducted Brussels; info: 02/548.24.24 www.abcon- • Until 16 June: Affinity and Individuality, ex- by Vladimir Fedoseyev, 6th Symphony by certs.be hibition Holland-Belgium between 1890 and Mahler, PSK, Brussels; info: 02/507.82.00 • 28 May: Lenny Kravitz, Macy Gray, Sport- 1945, Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent; info: www.festival.be paleis, Antwerp; info: 0900/26060 09/240.07.50 • 16 May and 20 May: The Chippendales, • 14 and 16 May: The Rape of Lucretia by • Until 9 June: After Sprawl, the contemporary Casino, Ostend and Koningin Elisabethzaal, Benjamin Britten, directed by Guy Joosten, city, exhibition; De Singel, Antwerp; Antwerp; info: 0900/26060 Flanders Opera, Ghent; info: 09/225.24.25 info: 03/248.28.28 www.desingel.be • 16 May: Kamerchor und Barockorcherster www.vlaamseopera.be • Until 23 June: Desire in a cage, Jane Stuttgart conducted by Frieder Bernius, Ora- Graverol, Rachel Baes and surrealism, KMSK, torium by GF Händel, De Bijloke, Ghent; EXPO Antwerp; info: 03/238.78.09 info: 09/233.68.78 www.debijloke.be • Until 8 June: A glance at pianos, 60 • Until 27 May: Méditerranée, Film Festival, • Until 12 May: Landscape, exhitibion, pianos from the historical collection of Chris Filmmuseum, Antwerp; info: 03/233.85.71 Botanique, Brussels; info: 02/226.12.11 Maene, Bijloke, Ghent with concerts, Bijloke, www.antwerpen.be/cultuur/cvb • Until 26 May: World Press Photo exhibi- Ghent; info: 09/266.70.40 • 15 to 17 May: The Wooster Group, Con- tion, CC Knokke-Heist; info: 050/630.430 • Until 2 June: Viewmaster, video-art, gress, theatre, Kaaitheater, Brussels; info: • Until 23 June: Retrospective exhibition exhibition, NICC, Antwerp 02/201.59.59 www.kaaitheater.be Jannis Kounellis, SMAK, Ghent; info: • Until 25 May: Mapping Sitting, PSK, Photo • 16 May: Skampa Kwartet with composi- 09/211.17.03 www.smak.be exhibition, Brussels; info: 02/507.82.00 tions by Prokoviev, Eben and van Beethoven, www.psk_pba.be De Bijloke, Ghent; info: 09/225.65.82 • Until 31 August: Kunst-sto(f)f: exhibition www.debijloke.be on contemporary art and design, Broelmuse- la fland ur re um, Kortrijk s • s f u o c c o u f s

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k Cauwelaert (director Knack), Koen Clement (Man- u • Responsible editor: aging director, De Morgen), Frans Crols (Director, Luc Demeester, Marke Trends), Francis Decoster (Information Officer, • Subscription rate by post and e-mail: 220 euro Flemish Community), Mark Deweerdt (Journalist, Focus on Flanders provides a weekly • Either transfer the sum to account no.: Financieel-Economische Tijd), Michael Stabenow 472-1010001-19 with the KBC in Roeselare (Correspondent, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung), overview of articles from the Flemish press Or give us the number and expiry date of your cred- Luc Standaert (Journalist, Belang van ), Jan and appears in English, French and German. it card (Visa/Eurocard): Van Doren (Deputy Director, Vlaams Economisch This newsletter is published Telephone: 051/42.42.99 Verbond), Bernard Bulcke (De Standaard) Fax: 051/40.11.52 • With thanks to: Concentra nv, De Vlijt nv, de by Uitgeverij Lannoo nv, E-mail: [email protected] Vlaamse Uitgeversmaatschappij nv, De Persgroep Kasteelstraat 97, 8700 Tielt nv, Uitge-versbedrijf Tijd nv and Roularta Media and can also be obtained Group nv and their editorial teams for supplying the articles. by e-mail.

focus on FLANDERS • 4 May - 10 May 2002 • Number 17