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Use of Russian assets in war in Ukraine - a mistake

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As Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has stated, it is essential to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, both to defend Ukraine and to prevent the war from spreading to the rest of Europe. However, at times it seems that Germany has learned little from its own history, as its political arrogance once again risks creating problems for other countries—now including Belgium. As I understand it, the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, publicly announced—without prior consultation with Belgium—that Russia’s frozen assets should be used directly to finance Ukraine’s war effort, rather than limiting support to the interest generated by those assets, as is currently the case. The problem is that these Russian assets are held at Euroclear in Belgium. If Russia were to reclaim its funds in the future, Belgium—not Germany—could be forced to pay and bear the political and financial consequences, including Russia’s anger. Therefore, President Putin should note that...
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After the German elections - The balancing act of the future PM in an increasingly hostile world

The German elections are over. The coalition of socialists, liberals and greens lost the election, and thus their government leader Chancellor Olaf Scholz will likely be replaced by CDU leader Friedrich Merz , a politician turned banker turned politician again who said during the elections that there will be a turn away from an economy based on climate actions, just when climate actions remain important, certainly now that the USA pulled out of the Paris climate agreement and wants to drill more gas and oil to use.  FB 20/02/2025 This becomes reality: economy and growth before climate measures. Also in Germany, and as it is Europe's leading country, this will become policies throughout Europe. Yes, the more it becomes clear climate change will cost billions of euros, the less we do while we'll speak about more growth. Capitalism, its own doom as growth is its only way forward. Still, there are now more urgent matters as Russia invaded a European country. And while more ...
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The Growing Divide: The USA, Europe, and the Politics of Resentment

Freedom of speech in the USA is becoming increasingly difficult—unless, of course, you speak the language of the president. You can insult others freely, but if you speak as, for example, climate activists who highlight that scientists' warnings are becoming reality, you are silenced. Drilling for more oil is prioritized over acknowledging climate change. And when California burns, it must be the Democrats' fault—not the severe droughts of past years. Now, Europe is painted as a threat—unless it aligns with the American president. Many Christian conservatives see Russia as "Gog" in biblical prophecy but believe the real enemy is Europe. The USA still harbors resentment over American lives lost fighting fascism in Europe. Ironically, many of the same people who despise Europe now embrace Hitler’s ideological policies: anti-LGBTQ, anti-left, racism, and religious supremacy. This rhetoric mirrors that of Brexit campaigners. Remember how Ann Widdecombe once spoke about th...
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President Trump's Fiery Inauguration Speech

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President Trump delivered an exceptionally aggressive inauguration speech , touching on several controversial topics: Immigration and Border Control : He thanked Latino voters, only to follow with a pledge to deploy the military to halt further immigration by enforcing strict border control, and to expel millions from the U.S.. He announced that not only those who cross the border illegally but also those who resist arrest will be detained—or even treated as terrorists, suggesting the U.S. police may have the right to use (lethal) force when feeling threatened. He further emphasized plans to intensify efforts against gangs and terrorists, revealing that arrests would now be permitted in hospitals and schools. It was also possible in the past to arrest criminals in hospitals, but it is different when innocent people and children can be arrested.  Environmental Policy & Climate Change : Trump placed blame for ongoing wildfires in California on the previous administration, as if s...
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(7k) Possible tax system reforms that benefits everyone

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In Belgium, attempts to form a government stalled (partly) due to disagreements over tax reforms as these should be more balanced. While these reforms are essential, they should not disproportionately benefit the wealthy, as this would place a greater burden on middle and lower-income citizens. When the majority can no longer afford to spend, businesses will suffer as consumer demand will decline, leading to a decrease in profits. Initially, probably local companies are more affected, but eventually, even larger corporations will feel the impact as well. In the UK in 2022, Prime Minister Liz Truss ’s government also found it essential to reform the tax system, but her government collapsed shortly after introducing a plan as it was considered too extreme and bad for the economy. PM Truss argued that British taxes were among the highest globally, a claim that seemed exaggerated — especially compared to Belgium’s system which imposes much higher taxes at lower income thresholds. While...
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(8o) Pope Francis I visited Belgium - Not a real success

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The Roman Catholic Church struggles to do good even when it tries, as it remains trapped in outdated worldviews that even the Pope cannot change within the institution he leads. Pope Francis himself appears unable to fully overcome these entrenched beliefs. Pope Francis I recently visited Belgium to improve relations and reconnect with a Church that has lost many followers over the past few decades, partly due to the widespread sexual abuse of children by priests, which was then covered up by Church authorities to protect its reputation. The legacy of conservative Pope John Paul II , consistently praising "traditional families" but condemning LGBTQ individuals who are part of families, preaching against contraception and abortion while allowing the Church to conceal abuses, still lingers today by many. On the other hand, increasing numbers of people stopped attending Church because they saw a discrepancy between its teachings on LGBTQ issues and contraceptives and their own e...
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(15f) Afghanistan, three years after the return of the devils

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Wednesday, 15/08/2024 Three years ago, the angels who liberated Afghanistan from the devilish Taliban and al-Qaida after they attacked the USA that resulted in nearly three thousand dead Americans, and after earlier attacks against the USA in other nations, those angels were defeated by the same devilish Taliban although al-Qaida was no longer involved after senior leaders such as Osama bin Laden were killed. Instead, a new force named Islamic State Afghanistan rose who are at the same level, some say even worse, as the Taliban. In the past I have written a history as Westerns know about 50 years of Afghanistan , about 50 years of suffering whereby the years under USA rule were not the worse years. Therefore, many Afghans who realised a defeat of the Western forces was imminent, tried to escape and those who were able to leave Afghanistan were lucky as the return of the Taliban equalled a return of human right abuses, and just as during the first rule of the Taliban especially women su...
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