A Belgian prime minister’s salary is roughly a third less than that of the two presidents of Parliament. Prime Minister Yves Leterme has a net monthly salary of €11,251 while the upper and lower house presidents each earn €16,240. Deputy prime ministers take home the same as their boss, as does the foreign minister. Walloon ministers are the highest paid of the three Regions with €11,226 net, compared to €10,392 for a Brussels minister and €9,890 for their Flemish counterparts.

Peace, love and no government.

The United States Institute of Peace latest Peace Brief has featured Belgium as a case study. The Congress-funded institute usually looks at conflict-ridden countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt. Although Belgium now holds the world record of a country without government, it is being held up as an example of peaceful coexistence between diverse communities.

Will it say 'politie' on the mailbox?

The Brussels North police zone have bought a ground floor apartment in their neighbourhood in order to catch thieves red-handed. It will contain a number of valuables in full view of the street and a window and door open. A camera will film any burglars. Some criminal lawyers deem the undertaking entrapment, however, Brussels police already use a similar tactic to uncover car thieves.

A nudist no-no.

Six women found themselves in the dock for taking part in naked photo shoots around the centre of Arlon. The six, aged between 20 and 40, had taken part in a sanctioned nudist walk – or randonnue – in Florenville earlier the same day. The women claimed to have been duped by the organiser and paid up to €250 to participate in the shoot. The prosecutor angled for a three-month suspended sentence, but the verdict will only be announced next month.

If mayo and ketchup can coexist, why can't Belgians?

Several student towns will be breaking into a Frites Revolution on Thursday, February 17, the day Belgium beats Iraq and breaks the world record of no government with 249 days. Whereas the Shame march held on January 23 was apolitical, the student organisers want to keep Belgium united and introduce a national electoral district.