Belgian government faces criticism after heat wave causes over 1,200 excess deaths

Key facts

• A heat wave in Belgium caused 1,222 excess deaths.
• Belgian opposition parties criticize the government for failing to protect vulnerable citizens.
• Belgium's health minister acknowledged issues with the emergency number.
• A heat wave in France caused at least 1,000 excess deaths.
• French Green party lawmakers filed a no-confidence motion against the government.
• The no-confidence motion in France is unlikely to succeed.
• Key opposition parties in France will not support the no-confidence motion.

Belgium's federal government is under scrutiny following a severe heat wave that resulted in 1,222 excess deaths. Opposition parties in Belgium are criticizing the government, accusing ministers of failing to adequately protect vulnerable citizens during the extreme weather event. The country's health minister has acknowledged that there were issues with the emergency number's functionality during the crisis.

In parallel, the French government is facing a no-confidence vote initiated by Green party lawmakers. This motion stems from the government's handling of a recent severe heatwave, which has been linked to at least 1,000 excess deaths. Despite the motion being filed, its success is considered unlikely, as key opposition parties have indicated they will not lend their support to it. The situation highlights a broader concern across Europe regarding governmental preparedness and response to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.