Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has issued a resounding call for unified action against the scourge of drug-related crime gripping Belgium.
With eight shootings rattling Brussels in just nine days, De Croo addressed Parliament on Thursday, emphasizing the imperative for all levels of authority to collaborate in tackling this pressing issue.
“The current security issues in Belgium will never be solved if the blame is constantly shifted from one level of power to the other,” asserted De Croo, underscoring the need for collective responsibility and decisive action.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, De Croo underscored that the recent spate of incidents underscores the brazen disregard for law and order exhibited by international criminal networks operating within Belgian borders.
These criminal entities, he noted, possess significant financial resources and operate with impunity, posing a grave threat to public safety and the rule of law.
Acknowledging the severity of the challenge at hand, De Croo affirmed that combating drug trafficking and organized crime remains a top priority for his government.
He assured citizens that the recent incidents are being addressed with utmost seriousness, with coordinated responses underway at the local, regional, and federal levels.
“Some of our cities are being targeted by gangs of traffickers organized on an international level,” De Croo lamented, urging solidarity in confronting this common threat.
He cautioned against division, emphasizing the importance of presenting a united front against criminal elements.
Recognizing that tangible progress requires concerted effort and investment, De Croo outlined recent initiatives aimed at bolstering law enforcement capabilities.
Notable measures include the installation of scanners at the Port of Antwerp to intercept illicit contraband and the development of explosive suitcases to swiftly dispose of confiscated drugs.
Additionally, he highlighted the expansion of staffing resources, including the appointment of a National Drug Commissioner.
However, De Croo stressed that the road ahead will not be easy, acknowledging the enormity of the task at hand.
He urged stakeholders to eschew the temptation to assign blame and instead focus on identifying areas for improvement and collaboration.
“If Brussels loses, everyone loses – including Flanders, including Wallonia, including the international institutions that we have in Brussels,” De Croo cautioned, underscoring the far-reaching implications of inaction.
He implored all parties to channel their energies into cooperative efforts rather than engaging in finger-pointing.
As Belgium grapples with the escalating threat of drug-related violence, De Croo’s call for unity and decisive action resonates as a clarion call to safeguard the nation’s security and uphold the rule of law.
Only through collective resolve and collaboration can Belgium hope to overcome the challenges posed by organized crime and secure a safer future for its citizens.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
