Political tensions flared in Brussels Wednesday as a conference by the Reformist Movement (MR) party drew approximately 150 protesters to place de Bethléem in Saint-Gilles. Demonstrators voiced opposition to the MR, chanting slogans adn singing protest songs despite inclement weather. The gathering unfolded under a heightened security presence, as authorities anticipated potential disruptions to the party’s event and attempted to balance security with the right to assembly.
Around 150 protesters gathered Wednesday afternoon in Place de Bethléem in Saint-Gilles, Brussels, to demonstrate against the Reformist Movement (MR) party.
The demonstration underscores growing political tensions in the Belgian capital as the MR party held a conference amid opposition. Protesters, sheltering under the bandstand from heavy rain, chanted slogans including “MR is racist,” “Saint-Gilles antifascist,” and “Brussels antifascist.” They also sang “Bella Ciao,” an Italian resistance anthem, despite the cold weather.
The MR conference has been a source of debate for several days, with consideration given to relocating the event. A counter-protest had been planned for weeks. Saint-Gilles Mayor Jean Spinette acknowledged Tuesday that “there are risks of disturbances” but stated his intention to “tolerate a gathering” limited to Place de Bethléem, ensuring any movement toward the conference venue or party headquarters on Avenue de la Toison d’Or would be prevented.
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A significant security presence was deployed, with approximately 150 police officers assigned to monitor the area around the square and routes leading to the conference site, which was secured by a security perimeter. “It’s disproportionate, when the neighborhood needs these people every day,” Spinette commented.
“We are confident and thank law enforcement for their work in ensuring this exchange with the public can take place. It is essential to explain the government’s actions and promote democracy,” said Olaf Van der Straten Ponthoz, president of the MR Saint-Gilles branch.
Van der Straten Ponthoz said relocating the meeting was not an option. “What would we say if Raoul Hedebouw were threatened by far-right groups to prevent him from holding a conference in Uccle?” he asked.
Shortly after 6:30 p.m., as the crowd swelled to around 250 people, protesters left Place de Bethléem and headed toward the conference hall on Rue du Danemark – a move that had not been authorized. Police did not immediately intervene, but the protesters were eventually pushed back into the streets of Saint-Gilles, where they continued to march and chant slogans. This impromptu procession through the neighborhood maintained pressure on the conference and demonstrated the determination of the Brussels Antifascist Front and its supporters to make their voices heard.
■ Duplex d’Adeline Bauwin
