Far-right Patriots Network to hold conference in Flemish Parliament
The far-right and conservative Patriots Network will hold a conference in the Flemish Parliament on Thursday at the invitation of the Vlaams Belang party. The event was confirmed by the Flemish Parliament's press service, which said the invitation was in line with parliamentary rules.
The event was originally scheduled to take place at Le Chaloupe d'Or on the Grand Place in Brussels. But the restaurant withdrew its agreement, citing its non-political stance, leaving the Patriots Network to find an alternative venue. The Vlaams Belang faction offered a meeting room in the Flemish Parliament, allowing the event to go ahead.
The Patriots Network event follows other recent far-right activities in Brussels, including a visit by the leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN), Jordan Bardella, in November to promote his book. Protests against Bardella's visit saw hundreds gather near the venue, with police using water cannon to control the demonstrations.
Anti-fascist protest
Anti-fascist organisations in Brussels have announced a protest against the event, scheduled for Thursday at 18.30 on Place Surlet de Chokier near the Flemish Parliament. "This conference promotes a deadly ideology of racism, xenophobia and hatred," an activist said, calling for firm opposition.
The Patriots Network, an international coalition of far-right parties and figures active in several countries including Italy, France, Germany and the US, was founded by Enzo Alias-Blanes, a former leader of the RN's youth wing. Alias-Blanes came under scrutiny in 2022 over alleged images of him giving a Nazi salute, which he denied, claiming the images were doctored.
The network also has a Flemish representative, Cedric Cornelissen, chair of the Antwerp branch of Vlaams Belang.
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration shows the entrance to the Flemish Parliament building © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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