The cancellation of Israeli conductor Lahav Shani's concert in Ghent is an extremely worrying signal. It calls into question not only artistic freedom but also Belgium's international image.
Georges-Louis Bouchez, President of the MR, reacts firmly: “The cancellation of Lahav Shani's concert in Ghent is simply a disgrace. A disgrace for our country. Are we going to ask every Belgian their position on colonisation to determine whether they can perform or not, according to the criteria of political correctness? This is political policing, tinged with antisemitism. The opposite of what culture should be. Minister Gennez should resign over such an attitude.”
This decision is a serious slide. Artists are now being judged not on their talent or cultural contribution, but on their nationality and their country's political history. This practice is unacceptable and opens a dangerous path towards censorship and exclusion.
Culture must bring people together, open dialogue and rise above divisions. Censoring a world-renowned conductor because of his origins or identity is contrary to the most basic principles of freedom and tolerance.
The MR calls on the government to take responsibility and to remember that art and culture must remain spaces of freedom, far from manipulation and ideological demands.