Theo Francken calls for a ‘Gendarmerie 2.0’: “We need to take back control of our streets”

Following the violent riots in Brussels, Defence Minister Theo Francken is calling for a new, reinforced police unit with military training. Its role would be to respond rapidly to serious riots, vandalism and extreme violence against police officers. Speaking on Radio 1’s De Ochtend programme, Francken outlined his proposal. “Our police officers do a fantastic job, but additional support from a Gendarmerie 2.0-style unit is absolutely essential.”

A firm response to rising violence

Cars set ablaze, shops vandalised and police officers targeted with Molotov cocktails. According to Francken, the escalating violence in several major cities shows that law enforcement needs additional support.

“In the past, the gendarmerie had units that could be deployed at short notice to deal with serious riots, football hooliganism and vandalism. Those units have gradually been scaled back. A federal reserve still exists, but it is severely understaffed,” Francken explained.

That is why he wants to invest in a strong, rapid-response unit with advanced military training and better coordination. “If rioters think the streets belong to them, they will only take their barbarism and violence further. And who pays the price? Ordinary people living in Brussels and Liège.”

At the same time, he acknowledges that the proposal is no silver bullet. “But it sends a clear message to our police forces that reinforcements are on the way. As a government, we are working on innovative solutions to ensure we regain control of the streets of Brussels, Molenbeek and Liège.”

“Police and Defence are stronger together”

The proposal forms part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic security. Francken has been discussing the issue with Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) for several weeks.

Francken points out that the Belgian Armed Forces are already supporting the police in a number of locations. Another 200 military personnel have been deployed to railway and metro stations in Brussels. Since April, reported criminal offences have fallen by 16.8% in Brussels metro stations and by 7.1% in railway stations.

Military personnel are also protecting sensitive sites belonging to the Jewish community, as well as nuclear power plants. Meanwhile, Defence is developing a territorial reserve through its new voluntary military service programme.

“We are also strengthening our capabilities at home because we want to support our police forces. Not because they aren't doing a good job — they give it everything they've got, day in, day out. But because we firmly believe that the police and the Armed Forces are stronger when they work together.”