On Monday evening, during the City of Brussels council meeting, David Weytsman, Liberal group leader, addressed the controversy surrounding the installation of the new nativity scene on the Grand Place.
"It is necessary to calm tempers and set the record straight in the controversy over the nativity scene. The MR+ never decided to change the nativity scene. Let's be honest: a large proportion of Belgians and residents of Brussels do not appreciate this artistic result. With all due respect for the artist, that is also the case for my group, and I said so repeatedly right from the start. That is why, while respecting artistic freedom and the Church's choices, I am proposing to the College that we find a solution respecting everyone's work, and above all 1/ reinstalling the old, restored nativity scene on the Grand Place as soon as possible, ideally as early as next year;
2/ installing the current nativity scene at another location.
As Christmas approaches, let's keep the essential in mind: bringing people together, restoring calm and bringing the magic of this season to life on our Grand Place."