Brussels Press Review — Friday 13 March 2026

🏛️ Politics & Government

National demonstration brings up to 100,000 to Brussels streets

Between 80,000 and 100,000 people marched through Brussels on 12 March in a national demonstration against the federal government’s Arizona coalition measures. Around 50 administrative arrests were made. The protest caused major disruption: some 42,500 passengers were affected by cancelled flights at Brussels Airport, and public transport across the capital was severely impacted. (RTBF · BX1)

Brussels communes denounce €1.7 billion in deferred charges

Brussels municipalities are raising the alarm over €1.7 billion in costs passed down to them by higher levels of government, putting pressure on local budgets and services. (BX1)

Health sector mobilises at CHU Saint-Pierre against Arizona measures

Healthcare workers rallied at CHU Saint-Pierre hospital to protest federal austerity plans under the Arizona coalition, warning of consequences for public health services in Brussels. (BX1)

Khalid Zian returns to Brussels City college

Khalid Zian, former president of Brussels City’s CPAS (public welfare centre), has made his return to the municipal college. (RTBF)

🛡️ Defence & Security

BEDEX — Belgium’s first defence fair opens at Brussels Expo

The inaugural Belgian Defence Exhibition (BEDEX) opened at Brussels Expo on Thursday, bringing together over 200 exhibitors from 27 countries across 20,000 m². Defence Minister Theo Francken, PM Bart De Wever, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attended the opening. Amnesty International criticised the presence of Lockheed Martin. The fair is open to the public on Saturday. (BX1 · RTBF · BRUZZ)

Teenager arrested in Stalingrad boulevard terrace shooting investigation

A teenager has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting on a terrace on boulevard de Stalingrad in May 2024. The suspect, who was on the run for 18 months, was apprehended in Brussels in December 2025 and will be tried as an adult. The case goes before the indictment chamber tomorrow. (BRUZZ)

🚗 Transport & Mobility

Metro 3: civil engineering works for missing link to last four years

The remaining civil engineering works for the Metro 3 missing link under the Palais du Midi will take four years, STIB officials confirmed. Works could begin next year, pending rejection of a heritage classification request and a building permit for the 120m of missing tunnels. Avenue de Stalingrad surface works can start this autumn. Some €150 million has already been spent. (BX1 · BRUZZ)

42,500 passengers hit by cancelled Brussels Airport flights

The national demonstration on 12 March caused some 42,500 passengers to be affected by flight cancellations at Brussels Airport. (BX1)

Rail disruptions again this weekend

More rail disruptions are expected in Brussels this weekend due to ongoing track works. (BX1)

🏙️ Urban Life

Saint-Gilles cafés sanctioned with nighttime closures

Several iconic Saint-Gilles bars — including Brasserie Verschueren, L’Amère à boire, and Le Louvre — must close between 10 PM and 8 AM for one month after the commune sanctioned them for late terraces and noise complaints. Mayor Jean Spinette (PS) says the aim is not to strangle hospitality but to respond to resident complaints. The commune is also developing a “night charter.” (BX1)

Six summer bars (guinguettes) set to return to Brussels parks

The Brussels government has launched the procurement process for six seasonal bars in parks across the region: Henri (Georges Henri Park), Maurice (Cinquantenaire), Emile (Duden Park), Fabiola (Roi Baudouin Park), André (Laeken Park), and Vincent (Bon Pasteur Park, Evere). State Secretary Ans Persoons hopes they’ll open by late April. (BRUZZ)

Brussels Pride on 16 May — 200,000 visitors expected

Brussels Pride will march through the city centre on Saturday 16 May under the theme “When times get darker, we shine brighter.” Organisers RainbowHouse Brussels chose the theme in response to rising anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric. A Safer Zone will be set up for the event. (BRUZZ)

🏥 Health & Environment

35,000 illegal vapes and nicotine pouches seized in Anderlecht

Federal health inspectors, customs, and local police raided three warehouses in Anderlecht and seized some 35,000 illegal disposable e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Five official reports were filed. (BRUZZ)

More than 450 social housing apartments managed by Molenbeekse Woningen are affected by asbestos problems. State Secretary Karine Lalieux (PS) acknowledged the issue but pointed to “significant financial constraints.” A demolition and reconstruction plan was decided in 2023, but funding remains uncertain. (BRUZZ)

🎓 Education

Director and teacher of Molenbeek atheneum suspended

The director and a teacher of Athénée Royal du Sippelberg in Molenbeek have been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of bullying, abuse of power, sexual intimidation, threats, and extortion brought by students. The director is Hassan Ouassari, a municipal councillor for Les Engagés. (BRUZZ)

🎭 Culture

Molenbeek 2030 asks Brussels government for funding clarity

The Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 cultural project — born from the European Capital of Culture bid — has sent an open letter to the Brussels government requesting urgent funding clarity. Signed by Bozar, KVS, Théâtre National, Passa Porta, David Van Reybrouck, and others, the letter warns the project cannot continue without confirmed support. Minister-President Dilliès’ office says support will continue but budgets will be set during upcoming conclaves. (BRUZZ)

Idomeneo at La Monnaie: sumptuous music rescues a weak staging

Mozart’s Idomeneo at La Monnaie received mixed reviews — a disappointing mise en scène saved by a sumptuous musical direction. (RTBF)

⚽ Sport

Brussels derby in Croky Cup final — 14 May at 3 PM

The Croky Cup final will be an all-Brussels affair, with the match set for 14 May at 3 PM. (BX1)

RWDM beaten by Beveren, who clinch Challenger Pro League title

RWDM lost to Beveren, who validated their Challenger Pro League championship. The RWDM’s financial troubles continue after being sanctioned by the license commission. (BX1)

Belgian Cats beat China in World Cup warm-up

The Belgian Cats claimed a prestigious victory over China, six months before the Women’s Basketball World Cup. (RTBF)