Ecolo MP Calls Francken’s Heatwave Advice ‘Criminal’ as Belgium Records 1,747 Excess Deaths
A devastating political row has erupted in Belgium after Ecolo party leader Stéphane Hazée branded Federal Defence Minister Theo Francken’s heatwave advice “completely criminal,” as new data revealed that 1,747 excess deaths were recorded during the country’s deadliest heatwave in over two decades. The confrontation, which played out on RTBF on July 10, highlights deepening tensions over how Belgian authorities are responding to the accelerating climate crisis.
The Controversy
The dispute stems from a social media post by Francken (N-VA) in late June, in which he suggested that Belgians cope with soaring temperatures by enjoying a “swimming pool, cold Stella [beer], and barbecue.” He also accused journalists of “catastrophism” for their coverage of the heatwave. Speaking on RTBF’s Matin Première on July 10, Hazée did not mince words: “When you have federal ministers who come to talk to you about swimming pools or barbecues when we have temperatures that you and I have never experienced in our lives and which are perhaps only a foretaste of what is to come, it is completely criminal to have such speech in the public debate that is not up to the level of the facts.”
The Human Toll
The context for Hazée’s fury is stark. Between June 18 and July 1, Belgium recorded 1,747 excess deaths — a staggering 47.8% above normal mortality levels, according to data from Sciensano. Wallonia was hit hardest, with 76% excess mortality compared to 31.4% in Flanders and 60.9% in Brussels. The heatwave, which lasted 12 days and saw temperatures peak at 35.5°C on June 26, was notable not only for its duration but for record-high nighttime temperatures — the minimum temperature of 24.1°C was the highest ever recorded during a Belgian heatwave, depriving vulnerable populations of crucial overnight relief.
Strikingly, the heatwave also affected younger populations: 280 excess deaths occurred among people under 65, representing a 61.3% increase. The peak mortality days were June 27 and 28, with 641 and 632 deaths respectively — excess mortality rates of 146.5% and 143.1%.
Political Fallout
The controversy has exposed Belgium’s complex linguistic and political fault lines. Walloon Health Minister Yves Coppieters (Les Engagés) expressed outrage, telling La Libre: “If we were in a normal country, such a minister would be ostracized and reprimanded.” Coppieters also criticized Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) for a lack of federal coordination during the crisis.
Francken, for his part, has defended himself vigorously. In an interview with DHnet, he dismissed Coppieters with a curt “Yves who? I don’t know this gentleman” and claimed his tweet was posted on a Friday after “two days of normal summer heat,” not during the peak of the heatwave. He denied being a climate skeptic, adding: “I love trees.”
Broader Implications
The exchange has significant implications beyond the immediate political spat. As De Morgen defense expert Jeroen Van Horenbeek analyzed, Francken’s tweet controversy risks damaging his credibility and, by extension, his ability to secure funding for the Defence Ministry. The incident also underscores a broader tension between climate action advocates and those who prioritize economic and security concerns.
Notably, the controversy has a linguistic dimension. Flemish media largely covered the story as a political controversy and security issue — particularly after a satirical Facebook event was created inviting people to Francken’s private home, which N-VA chair Valerie Van Peel called “disgusting and pure intimidation” in comments reported by VRT NWS. Francophone media, by contrast, focused more on the public health and climate implications.
What’s Next
With temperatures rising again and a new heatwave forecast for the coming days, the political pressure is unlikely to abate. The Walloon government has convened an expert cell to assess preparedness, and the Interministerial Conference on Health has proposed new measures for future heatwaves. However, questions remain about whether the political system can deliver a coordinated response — and whether ministers who downplay climate risks will face any consequences for doing so.