Belgium
Belgium’s Broken Prisons
Belgium’s prisons are in crisis. Hard-line policies, crumbling infrastructure and staff shortages have made them overcrowded holding pens — not just for criminals but for the poor, the undocumented and the mentally ill. The crisis continues despite civil society efforts, guards-turned-whistleblowers, extreme violence exposed on TikTok and government promises.
The Flemish Far Right in Power
For the first time in its history, Belgium has a Flemish nationalist prime minister, who ultimately wants to dismantle the state. Bart de Wever rode a wave of nativist sentiment to bring his party to power in February, in yet another victory for right-wing populists, whose cross-border ties are growing.
The Othering of Belgium’s Minorities
Minorities in Belgium have become prominent and successful in every walk of life but, as elections loom, they eye a resurgent and racist right with a sense of trepidation.