For his first official visit as Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, Boris Dilliès chose a highly symbolic location: Brussels-South station. A clear signal. Security and order in public spaces are a priority of the new Brussels government.
Accompanied by federal Interior Minister Bernard Quintin, Brussels Secretary of State for Public Cleanliness Audrey Henry, and the mayors of Anderlecht and Forest, Boris Dilliès met police officials, railway security services and local stakeholders around the station.
A €10 million station plan
Brussels-South station is one of the capital's main gateways. Every day, thousands of commuters, tourists and investors pass through it. "It's a showcase for Brussels. But there is an image problem when it comes to security and cleanliness. People need to feel safe there," said Boris Dilliès after his visit.
The regional government has allocated a budget of €10 million to strengthen security, improve cleanliness, and better support the social situation of vulnerable people in the South and North station districts.
Coordination between the federal level and the Region
One word kept coming up during this visit: coordination. Brussels-South station brings together numerous actors, local police, federal police, Securail, SNCB, the Region, municipalities, often operating under different jurisdictions.
"The actors on the ground need to be better coordinated. Everyone works under different structures, but security must be consistent and effective," stressed Boris Dilliès.
Bernard Quintin reiterated the federal level's commitment to supporting police operations and strengthening the fight against crime, particularly drug trafficking. The creation of a regional drugs commissioner fits into this logic of structured action.
Audrey Henry, for her part, stressed the importance of cleanliness as a key factor in the feeling of safety: a clean city is a safer and more welcoming city.
Restoring order and improving Brussels' image
Beyond the security issue, the aim is also to restore Brussels' image. "We too often hear that Brussels is the capital of concrete blocks. That has to change. As Minister-President, I want people to feel safe everywhere, at all times," said Boris Dilliès.
This first field visit illustrates the MR's approach: presence on the ground, cooperation between levels of government and concrete decisions. With the station plan, the Dilliès government aims to restore order in public spaces and make security a visible, clearly stated priority.
The message is clear: Brussels' gateways must once again become welcoming, clean and safe.