At the moment there are about 400 people staying in the reception centre. According to Mahdi, the mayor demands a decrease to 200. “On the eve of Christmas, it is demanded that about 200 people be removed from the reception center. However, there is room to accommodate 550 people. The wishes of the local government have already been met on several occasions. I regret that Spa chooses the confrontation path.”
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The State Secretary also refers to the Antwerp municipality of Boom. There is opposition to the arrival of a reception center for 160 people.
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There are mayors who do take their responsibility, says Mahdi. “The mayors in Koksijde, Oudergem, Dilbeek, Molenbeek, Lommel, Lombardsijde, Leopoldsburg, Damme, Evere, City of Brussels, Bitsingen (Glaaien), Charleroi, Nonceveux and Namur prove that things can be done differently. And now again in Ypres and Ixelles, where more places will open.”
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