Brussels, Belgium – The Brussels Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs has initiated an inquiry into drug-related violence in the Belgian capital, inviting federal ministers, law enforcement, and health officials to testify in upcoming hearings.
Following a vote, several key stakeholders in medical and social drug addiction care will be included in the inquiry. The decision was made during a parliamentary session where MPs agreed to organize a joint meeting with the Health Committee in the coming weeks to discuss the growing crisis.
In addition, the committee voted on whether to invite Federal Minister of the Interior Bernard Quintin (MR) and Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) to testify. The motion was approved with eight votes in favor and four abstentions from the MR party, clearing the way for formal invitations to be sent to the ministers.
Focus on Law Enforcement
As part of the inquiry, the committee also plans to arrange a visit to the newly established police station at Brussels-Midi, one of the key locations in the fight against drug-related crime.
Members will hear from the heads of the Brussels-Midi and Brussels-North police zones, both of which are experiencing significant challenges due to increasing drug trafficking activities.
Authorities have expressed concerns over the escalation of drug-related violence in certain neighborhoods, which has led to heightened security measures and calls for more stringent enforcement policies.
The inquiry aims to shed light on the root causes of the crisis and evaluate the effectiveness of existing strategies to combat organized drug crime.
Political Friction Over Ministerial Testimonies
The decision to summon federal ministers was not without controversy. Last week, tensions flared behind closed doors as committee members engaged in a prolonged debate over the agenda.
The Socialist Party (PS) accused committee chair Aline Godfrin (MR) of violating parliamentary protocol by initially blocking a vote on whether the ministers should be heard.
Godfrin questioned the necessity of the ministers’ testimonies, arguing that the issue should first be examined by the extended bureau of parliament.
However, Brussels Parliament Chairman Bertin Mampaka (MR) intervened, stating that a committee chair must comply with requests for votes.
While he acknowledged that Godfrin’s concerns were legally valid, he affirmed that the invitations to the ministers would proceed as planned.
Next Steps in the Inquiry
The upcoming hearings will provide a platform for key stakeholders to present their perspectives on drug-related violence in Brussels.
Health experts, law enforcement officials, and policymakers are expected to contribute insights into the crisis, offering recommendations on how to address the issue effectively.
The inclusion of the Justice and Interior Ministers in the proceedings underscores the gravity of the situation, as the Brussels region grapples with the social and criminal implications of widespread drug trafficking.
Lawmakers hope that a coordinated effort between federal and regional authorities will lead to concrete policy measures to curb the rising violence.
As preparations for the hearings continue, the Brussels Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs remains at the center of the debate, navigating political tensions while striving to address one of the capital’s most pressing security concerns.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
