Belgian minister unveils security plan for major cities to tackle drug crime
Belgium’s Interior minister, Bernard Quintin (MR), has presented a new 'Plan for Major Cities' aimed at tackling the increase in drug-related crime. In interviews with the press on Saturday, he outlined measures including the introduction of a nationwide camera network, mixed police–military patrols and specialist police teams.
The plan goes beyond the Canal Plan, which was introduced in Brussels following the 2015 terrorist attacks. This time, the focus shifts from counter-terrorism to organised drug crime and extends beyond Brussels to Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, Charleroi and Mons.
Joint police-military patrols
In Brussels, Quintin intends to deploy joint police-military patrols in areas such as the Clémenceau and Peterbos districts in Anderlecht, Brussels North Station, Bonnevie Park in Molenbeek and the Matongé district near Avenue Louise. He said that he has secured an agreement with Defence minister Theo Francken (N-VA) to make this possible and has suggested that other cities could request similar deployments.
The minister is wants to allocate 20 million euros to expand and integrate surveillance cameras in large cities, which will particularly help municipalities that are unable to fund their own systems. The aim is to create a public register of all cameras to coordinate monitoring efforts.
Mixed reactions
Neighbourhood associations in Brussels, who have long been calling for federal involvement, have welcomed the recognition of the crisis and the focus on big cities. They also applauded the investment in cameras. However, concerns remain about the presence of the army in public spaces and the lack of additional resources for prosecutors.
Wouldn't more community police officers be more effective?
"What exactly will soldiers be allowed to do in Brussels?" asked Eric Vandezande, who represents 40 Brussels neighbourhood committees. "Wouldn't more community police officers be more effective? And what about the 10 million euros requested by the Brussels prosecutor?"
The proposals have sparked political debate. Frédéric De Gucht of the Flemish liberal party Open VLD, opposed the military's involvement, writing on X: "Domestic security requires a robust police force and justice system, not soldiers on the streets." Groen has echoed this criticism, with MP Matti Vandemaele stressing: "The police should be responsible for public safety, not the army."
According to VRT NWS, Jurgen De Landsheer, head of the Brussels South police force, hopes that soldiers will be able to take over his officers' security duties, allowing them to focus on police work. However, the army union ACMP has reservations and highlights the absence of a legal framework.
Currently, there is no legal framework in place that permits military personnel to perform the duties of police officers. Francken has announced that a framework with clear powers and rules of engagement is ready to be implemented. However, it is unclear exactly what these powers will entail. According to his cabinet, this will be discussed by the government.
#FlandersNewsService | © EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP
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