Belgium

A detailed investigation has uncovered alleged close ties between Philippe Close, the Mayor of the City of Brussels, and businessman Marc Coucke, a major shareholder of RSC Anderlecht, regarding a contentious bid for the largest casino in Brussels. The reconstruction by De Standaard suggests a 'poker game' behind the dubious bidding process for the lucrative contract, which initially saw Napoleon Games declared the winner before the city's decision was overturned.

In other significant news, the trial concerning the death of four-year-old Dean Verberckmoes has concluded with a verdict. Romy W. was acquitted of the toddler's kidnapping, while Dave De Kock was found guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping. Meanwhile, CD&V chairman Sammy Mahdi has made an appeal to his coalition partners, revealing a proposal to secure 10 billion euros for the federal budget without resorting to a VAT increase.

Social and political stories also emerged, including an investigation into the involvement of minors as young as 12 in recent riots, and a shocking incident where the driver responsible for the death of a 16-year-old boy is now demanding €8,000 from the victim's parents for car damage. A new political analysis examines the Walloon budget's impact on a liberal shift within 'Les Engagés' party, and a power struggle is reportedly unfolding within the Brussels MR party, potentially undermining Boris Dilliès, the Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region.