Mathias Vanden Borre is calling for an investigation into the role of Mayor Close in demonstration that got out of hand

“It is not only incomprehensible that a demonstration was allowed in these times of coronavirus, but also that rioters looted shops, threw street furniture around and wounded dozens of police officers. An investigation is absolutely necessary.” Brussels MP Mathias Vanden Borre is calling for an investigation into the role and responsibility of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close during last Sunday’s Black Lives Matter demonstration.

Mayors are responsible for public order

Mayors have the important responsibility of maintaining public order on the territory of their municipality. We can expect them to have due regard for the guidelines of the National Security Council, says Mathias Vanden Borre. “Permitting or tolerating a demonstration with 10,000 participants last Sunday obviously goes against those guidelines. It was therefore only to be expected that Mayor Close was questioned about this by Prime Minister Wilmès and Minister of the Interior De Crem.”

Breach of trust between Close and police unions

Mathias Vanden Borre indicates that his N-VA colleagues in the House of Representatives will ask Minister De Crem to act as the competent disciplinary authority. The N-VA wants an investigation by the General Inspectorate to bring full clarity to the role and responsibility of Mayor Close in the incidents. “Things get out of hand in Brussels time and again. Moreover, there is a breach of trust between Mayor Close and the police unions. That is why it is absolutely necessary to clarify police command and control during demonstrations in Brussels.

Minister Pieter De Crem has already replied that he advocates a unified police district in Brussels and that this should be on the federal negotiating table. Of course, N-VA shares this question.”