Flemish socialist party sp.a is the most interactive Belgian party on the internet, according to a study by TrendQ, but French-speaking politicians have more presence on Facebook. Elio Di Rupo has over 18,000 “fans”, compared to Yves Leterme’s 2,278.

Jaap Kruithof, philosopher, teacher and anti-authoritarian, has died at the age of 79. Kruithof helped set up the department of moral philosophy at Ghent University and influenced several generations with his radical positions on matters such as pop music – an instrument of capitalism – and the meat industry.

The Boekenleeuw, the annual prize for the best Flemish children’s or youth book, has been awarded to Els Beerten for her book Allemaal willen we de hemel (We All Want the Sky), set during the Second World War. The Boekenpauw, awarded for the best illustrated book, went to Sabien Clement for her work in Paul De Moor’s book En iedereen ging op zijn mieren zitten. (And They All Sat on Their Ants).

Koko Flanel, the 1990 Flemish film by Stijn Coninx starring Urbanus, is being revived by the Metropolis cinema in Antwerp. This was the most popular Flemish film ever until it was overtaken recently by Erik Van Looy’s Loft. But with new ticket sales at Metropolis, it could surpass Loft’s record. The action was described as “playful” by cinema owners Kinepolis, who have installed a counter on their website to keep track of the total ticket sales of the two rival films.

www.kinepolis.com