New task force led by Belgian PM to tackle Brussels drug violence
The federal government is setting up a task force in the fight against drug crime. The task force will be led by Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever and is composed of several ministers.
The prime minister had announced on Thursday that interior minister Bernard Quintin and justice minister Annelies Verlinden would report to the council of ministers on Friday on the fight against drug-related violence in Brussels. “If additional measures are needed to curb drug violence, they have my support,” he declared at the time.
The council of ministers decided to set up a task force “to implement the elements of the coalition agreement on organised crime as soon as possible”. Initially, this will be done in coordination with the interior and justice ministers. Ministers responsible for other elements of the agreement will join based on their domains when relevant.
“This shows that the whole government is taking responsibility for what is happening in Belgium - not just in Brussels”
Minister Quintin afterwards referred to the responsibilities of the finance minister, responsible for customs, and of the defence minister. Interestingly, he reiterated his call for military personnel to be used for static surveillance tasks. That would free up as many as 200 police officers for duties on the streets, according to Quintin.
“Above all, this shows that the whole government is taking responsibility for what is happening in Belgium - not just in Brussels,” he said. “The idea is not to meet for long days to chat. We consult to decide.”
“I have sent the cavalry”
The minister emphasised that the coalition agreement already contains a lot of security and justice actions, which now need to be implemented. He cited the implementation of a new Canal Plan, as well as the merger of the Brussels police zones. The 19 Brussels mayors are however not all in favour of that merger. Quintin reiterated that this merger is included in the coalition agreement and he will therefore implement it, but also that he is a man of consultation and wants to talk to all mayors within two weeks.
Quintin furthermore stressed that action has already been taken: more police officers have been sent to Anderlecht, more people have been deployed in the metro, and from Monday, Brussels' federal judicial police will be reinforced by 15 people. “I have sent the cavalry,” he stated. He added that the region and municipalities must also take their responsibility.
Armoured police car in Anderlecht, Brussels © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
Related news
