The fact that there are more soldiers with right-wing extremist ideas is not surprising in Belgium. “The fact that the army is attracting more conservative people is due to the existing structure of the army, they say. At the same time it is emphasized that the group of right-wing radicals is only small,” says Van Hoorn.
‘Vlaams Belang must condemn acts’
Even in national politics, opinions are divided about support for Conings; the liberals of Open VLD and the far right Vlaams Belang are opposed to each other.
Open VLD chairman Egbert Lachaert believes that Vlaams Belang politician Tom van Greeks should openly disapprove the actions of the fugitive soldier and the support he receives, in order to send a signal to the supporters of the party.
“This kind of support is not acceptable. And it is also up to Vlaams Belang and Tom Van Greeks to say this, because it is their followers who do this,” he said. As a result, Vlaams Belang promotes polarization and radicalization, says Lachaert.
Vlaams Belang writes in a response Twitter that it is precisely Open VLD that causes polarization in Belgium. Van Greeks says he regrets every link between the terror suspect and his party.
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