The CGSP Police union is calling for the MR party to cover the costs associated with police deployments during MR party conferences, estimating these costs to be in the tens of thousands of euros. The demand, presented by CGSP permanent staff member Eddy Quaino, stems from the frequent police presence requested by local mayors to prevent disruptions at MR events, according to reporting in Sudinfo.
Quaino argues that the expense should be borne by the MR, as the security measures are a direct consequence of the party’s activities. This proposal has drawn immediate opposition from Willy Demeyer, the mayor of Liège, who contends that such events are fundamental to democratic processes and should not be financially penalized.
The debate coincides with increased scrutiny of police resources and priorities in Belgium. Earlier this month, Eddy Quaino criticized Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) on RTBF, stating that “nothing is being done to improve the daily perform of the police in terms of training.” Quaino’s comments followed the death of 11-year-old Fabian in Ganshoren, after a police chase, a tragedy he described as devastating for both the public and the police force.
Quaino highlighted a shortage of 800 specialized investigators needed to address urban and organized crime, and a lack of commitment from the government to address this shortfall. He also pointed to deficiencies in police training, noting that officers only require a driver’s license and receive no specific instruction on pursuits. “In certain police zones, we are negotiating to obtain specific training, but that costs money,” Quaino stated in an interview with RTBF.
The issue of police training and resources has been raised previously, with recommendations from the Committee P and parliamentary inquiries following past attacks, but Quaino asserts that these recommendations have not translated into tangible improvements.
Separately, concerns are being raised about pressure on young people to participate in religious fasting during Ramadan and Lent. Reports in La DH suggest that children as young as eight are feeling compelled to fast due to peer pressure and competition. An islamologist cited in the report indicates a broader trend of community pressure to observe the fast. Le Soir has also reported a rise in participation in Lent, with some individuals citing pressure related to their religious identity.
