Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain isn’t the only country enjoying a welcome spell of balmy weather at the moment. In Belgium, too, the sun has come out after one of the most miserable springs on record, and people spent the weekend picking up some much-needed rays in gardens, parks and on beaches.
Among them was the former Prime Minister, Jean-Luc Dehaene, who was enjoying a lunchtime barbecue at his home in Vilvoorde on Sunday.
What had slipped his mind, however, was an appointment at a television studio to discuss the upcoming abdication of King Albert II. Half an hour before the show was due to air, the presenter sent the ex-premier a text message to enquire about his whereabouts. Rather than cancelling his appearance, the 72-year-old raced over to the studios of the VTM and arrived just in time.
What he did not have time to do, however, was change out of his causal weekend attire, so he conducted the interview in a salmon shirt, checked Bermuda shorts, sandals and a healthy glow. After a few chuckles with the presenter – who was dressed in a more traditional suit and tie – Mr Dehaene ploughed on with the serious discussion of the monarchy and Belgian politics.
The sartorial sense of the man who was Prime Minister from 1992 to 1997 has since become a hot topic of debate in the Belgian media and on Twitter.
One user remarked, approvingly, that Mr Dehaene had retained some elegance by managing to escape that great fashion crime of the British summer, socks with sandals.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments