Belgian ministers have faced criticism over the way a decision to deploy military personnel to protect Jewish sites was communicated after justice minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) reportedly learned of the plan through the press. The move has raised questions within the coalition about communication, coordination and the handling of broader security issues, including prison overcrowding.
The announcement came in a joint statement from defence minister Theo Francken (N-VA) and interior minister Bernard Quintin (MR). Verlinden had previously linked discussions on military presence on the streets to addressing overcrowding in prisons. Federal police commissioner-general Eric Snoeck invoked an old legal provision to request army support, bypassing the need for a full government decision.
“In a five-party government, you cannot simply do as you please"
CD&V Chairman Sammy Mahdi described the approach as “disrespectful” to the Verlinden. “In a five-party government, you cannot simply do as you please,” he said, adding that Francken and Quintin had instrumentalised the police chief, and that prime minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) was aware of the situation. Mahdi also called for urgent solutions to prison overcrowding, noting: “If one can find a 'quick fix' solution for the security problems for the Jewish community, one cannot simply let the security problem in the prisons persist.”
Deputy prime minister Vincent Van Peteghem also criticised the handling of the deployment, stating that it “is not to be repeated.” Speaking before the start of the budget debate, he emphasised that measures for security are understandable, but overcrowding in prisons remains a significant safety concern. “What is happening in prisons now is a recipe for recidivism. You cannot blame a minister of justice for asking for real solutions, and not just band-aids on a wooden leg,” Van Peteghem said.
According to Van Peteghem, De Wever is now seeking solutions and had previously indicated he would “massage away” Verlinden’s irritation.
\u200b© PHOTO BELGA PHOTO LUC CLAESSEN
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