“The evaporation of Belgium?”

In today’s press review, we focus on the legislative elections in Belgium.

IN THE PAPERS

By Aurore Cloe DUPUIS

Le Figaro reports about Bart De Wever’s victory in Belgium’s legislative elections.

The leader of the New Flemish Alliance won nearly 30% of the votes. His separatist party is keen to see Flanders and Wallonia split.

The paper’s editorial fears this could lead to the “Evaporation of Belgium”.

Meanwhile, Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace compares the situation in Belgium to a marital crisis and Libération shows a cartoon of the Manneken Pis separating from its twin brother.

Aujourd’hui en France focuses on the spread of rumours.Over the week-end, a text message was sent claiming that two Malian girls had been run over by the police.

That information was later proved to be false.

Spreading rumours could lead to a three year prison sentence or a fine of 45,000 euros.

And finally, Le Parisien reports about the South African horn, the Vuvuzela… A controversial instrument in this year’s world cup.

26/11/2009 - IN THE PAPERS

Roman Polanski to be placed under house arrest

FRENCH PRESS REVIEW: Several French papers lead with Roman Polanski. The film director is to be placed under house arrest in his Swiss residence pending deportation to the US on rape charges dating back 30 years.

25/11/2009 - IN THE PAPERS

Google apologises for offensive image of Michelle Obama

INTERNATIONAL PRESS REVIEW: A scandal has erupted in the US over the prominence Google has given to a “racist” image of the First Lady.

24/11/2009 - IN THE PAPERS

Doubts in British press over Iraq inquiry

A public inquiry into the Iraq war opens today in the UK. Several British papers express concern over the choice of the chairman, Sir John Chilcot. Is he a ‘light touch’? Doubts also hang over the scope of the inquiry, seen by many as too broad.

24/11/2009 - IN THE PAPERS

Sarkozy makes escapade into hostile suburbs

With four months to go to the regional elections in France, the French President is to visit three suburbs to the north of Paris today in order to highlight the main themes of the election campaign: security and immigration.