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PISA Results Alarm Nation as Flemish Education Declines

Belgium is grappling with alarming new PISA 2025 results, which show a dramatic decline in the reading proficiency of Flemish youth, with nearly one in three 15-year-olds unable to understand simple texts. This concerning trend has prompted reactions from Flemish Minister for Education, Justice and Work Zuhal Demir, while French-speaking education appears to be holding steady or even improving in quality relative to neighboring regions, despite some score declines.

In other domestic news, the federal government faces scrutiny for allocating over 10 billion euros to support fossil fuels, raising questions about potential savings. A new development in the budget debate saw CD&V President Sammy Mahdi express strong opposition to the potential abolition of company cars. Meanwhile, the bankruptcy of chip producer Belgan is now linked to allegations of industrial espionage for China, and Brussels Mayor Philippe Close has responded to critics concerning the city's casino affair.

Local issues also feature, including Wallonia's challenge to replace aging pipelines leading to significant water loss, and the announcement of a call for candidates to replace Brussels' Villo bike-sharing service. The labor market is also under discussion, with a trend of flexi-jobbers sometimes earning more than permanent employees.

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Flemish Education Scores Plummet in PISA Report

New PISA 2025 results show a significant and alarming decline in the reading proficiency of Flemish students, with a large percentage failing to meet basic comprehension levels. This contrasts with French-speaking education, which is reported to be maintaining or improving its quality relative to neighboring regions, although some reports also indicate a decline in scores but a reduction in inequalities. Flemish Minister for Education, Justice and Work Zuhal Demir has reacted somberly to the…

Federal Spending and Budget Debates Intensify

The Belgian government is facing scrutiny for allocating over 10 billion euros to fossil fuel support, raising questions about potential areas for savings. Concurrently, federal budget discussions are heating up, with CD&V President Sammy Mahdi vehemently opposing the potential abolition of company cars, vowing to "swallow a lightbulb" if it occurs. The political rivalry between MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez and Prime Minister Bart De Wever is also highlighted in ongoing political…

Chip Producer's Bankruptcy Linked to Chinese Espionage

Further details have emerged regarding the bankruptcy of the Belgian chip producer Belgan, where an alleged spy worked for China. The arrest of an ex-manager for allegedly leaking company secrets now sheds new light on the company's collapse, with suspicions of industrial espionage playing a significant role.

Flemish Government Divided on Agricultural Land Policy

Flemish Minister for Environment and Agriculture Jo Brouns' proposal to reserve 765,000 hectares for agricultural land has met with strong opposition from the N-VA party, who dismiss the plan as 'planning fiction,' highlighting internal disagreements within the Flemish government.

Flexi-Jobber Pay Exceeds Permanent Staff; Energy Efficiency Revealed

The Belgian labor market is seeing a notable trend where "flexi-jobbers" (temporary workers) are sometimes earning more than permanent employees, creating an unusual situation. Concurrently, a new analysis of energy performance certificates reveals surprising insights into the energy efficiency of Belgian homes, with the municipality of Bever showing the lowest ratings.

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