WORLD WORLDWIDE EUROPE BELGIUM BRUSSELS - The Brussels Times - BELGIUM IN BRIEF - Tuesday 24 September 2024

 

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BELGIUM IN BRIEF How effective are the Brussels forces of law and order in keeping streets clean and secure? It's a critical question in the run-up to the municipal elections (13 October), as many express fears that public safety is being eroded by criminal activity. The police are powerless and gangs operate with impunity, the story goes. Earlier this year a series of stabbings and shootings took place in the capital, some of them fatal. Police stepped up efforts to uncover and crack networks, not only targeting street dealers but infiltrating command chains, many linked to international organisations. But their response did little to counter the notion that gangs have the upper hand. And whilst the police clearly don't have a grip on the situation, the narrative of weak law enforcement overwhelmed by "drug mafias" has in some cases been hijacked and fused with the political agenda that calls for a tougher stance against migrants and a heavy-handed approach to drug policy. "They are trying to tarnish the image of Brussels and my commune," Jean Spinette, the mayor of Saint-Gilles, said in response to a video shared by a member of far-right Flemish N-VA party. The clip showed indiscreet drug dealing, though had been taken out of context (it is from June 2023) and was published with the caption: "We need to take back control." Saint-Gilles has become a focal point of the city's war on drugs and Spinette (PS) is under no illusion about the scale of the problem. His frustration is with the simplistic rendering of a multifaceted issue that would rather take a sledgehammer approach than treat delicate social challenges. He is keen to work with details and bats away unhelpful remarks from political opponents.  There is a thin line between acknowledging a problem and working constructively to resolve it, and painting Brussels as a city overrun with nefarious foreign gangs. Spinette brings clarity to a charged debate that often wilfully overlooks complexity for partisan gains. Read the full interview here. How do you feel about your commune? What would you like to improve? Take our quick survey and share your feedback here. Belgium in Brief  is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. Want to sign up?  Click here . 1. ‘Mafias exploit poverty’: Inside a Brussels mayor’s war on drugs "There are whole families, people, networks behind this, operating in the most deprived neighbourhoods where they can act like kingpins."  Read More . 2. ‘Glimpse of future Brussels’: Air quality significantly improved on Car-Free Sunday The positive effect on air and noise pollution in Brussels spur many to question why Car-Free Sunday is not a more regular occurrence.  Read More . 3. Belgian politicians denounce Israeli strikes on Lebanon as thousands leave the country Israel announced new air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon today – a day after 492 people were killed in the deadliest bombardment since a devastating war in 2006.  Read More .   4. What do Belgians think about the next government? Belgians are divided about whether Bart de Wever should be Prime Minister, and whether Georges-Louis Bouchez should be in government at all.  Read More . 5. Belgium needs to cut public spending to reduce debt and deficit, warns OECD Belgium is one of seven EU Member States currently under fire from EU regulators for overspending.  Read More . 6. Uncertain future for Brussels-Prague night train in summer 2025 Railway works, complex timetable procedures and a lack of coordination between Germany and neighbouring countries cast doubt on the future of the overnight connection.  Read More . 7. Young people face greatest barrier to purchasing property since financial crisis 11 years ago, the average person in their 20s could buy their first home with €45,000 in savings. Buyers in this age group today need €88,000.  Read More .