The N-VA demands a general ban on tent camps in Brussels

The illegal tent camp on the bridge and on the Koolmijnenkaai is in danger of expanding into a second Paleizenstraat. Tents are being added all the time. Ever more rubbish is accumulating and the feeling of insecurity is increasing. “In his capacity as governor, Minister-President Rudi Vervoort (PS party) must urgently introduce a general ban on tent camps for all municipalities,” is Brussels MP Mathias Vanden Borre’s demand following the evacuation of the squat in Paleizenstraat.

Since October, asylum seekers have been staying in a tent camp on the bridge over the canal on the Koolmijnenkaai, near the Klein Kasteeltje. The tent camp continues to expand. “The feeling of insecurity is increasing day by day. There is fighting, noise pollution, etc. The often improvised huts also pose a danger in terms of fire safety, and as regards public health. The situation threatens to develop into a second Paleizenstraat,” warns Vanden Borre.

Brussels surrealism

It is striking that the tents are installed along one side of the bridge, namely on the territory of Molenbeek, just outside the territory of the City of Brussels. Therefore, the bridge belongs to two different municipal territories, and also two different police zones. “A surreal situation, typical of Brussels. Brussels mayor Philippe Close (PS party) does not want any tent camps in his city, while his colleague and fellow party member in Molenbeek, mayor Catherine Moureaux, tolerates tent camps on her territory,” Vanden Borre laments.

Avoid a second Paleizenstraat

Such situations can be avoided with a regional ban on tents. “Brussels has become a favourite destination for human traffickers and transmigrants under PS party policies. A ban on tent camps could be a first step in the campaign to dissuade migrants who try to enter Belgium illegally. Minister-President Vervoort has the instruments to issue such a ban. He must not waste time if he wants to avoid a second Paleizenstraat,” Vanden Borre concludes.