Faced with the alarming rise in crime in Belgium, the Mouvement Réformateur is calling for action, proposing a comprehensive plan to fight urban gangs and organised crime. With alarming statistics on shootings in Brussels and a resurgence of violence unprecedented in decades, Georges-Louis Bouchez, David Clarinval and David Leisterh called, at a press conference, for a radical change of course to ensure citizens' safety.
The MR's assessment is unequivocal, highlighting five major shortcomings in the fight against urban crime:
- A vague criminal policy lacking leadership.
- A federal judicial police force that is understaffed and under-resourced.
- Excessive judicial delays allowing criminals to remain free.
- Penalties considered too lenient given the seriousness of the offences.
- Inefficiency in the justice system when it comes to enforcing sentences handed down.
To address these problems, the MR is proposing a series of bold and comprehensive measures. The first flagship measure is the appointment of a “Special Commissioner” tasked with combating urban crime, granted extensive powers. This Special Commissioner, also serving as King's Prosecutor, would be responsible for coordinating and directing criminal policy, while holding enhanced powers over firearms controls and the seizure of criminal organisations' assets.
The MR is also calling for a strengthening of the ranks of magistrates and the Public Prosecutor's Office, notably by easing access to the judiciary and anticipating staff vacancies. The aim is to give justice the resources needed to act effectively against crime.
Another major proposal is to align Belgian sentences with those of neighbouring countries to prevent Belgium from becoming a “criminal haven”. The MR also wants to introduce a model of immediate appearance for detainees and tighten the conditions for parole.
On the enforcement front, the MR is calling for a structural and financial strengthening of the police, particularly the Federal Judicial Police, while allowing justice and police to self-finance through seizures linked to the fight against drug trafficking.
To ensure a more effective police presence, the liberals suggest adapting the legal framework to allow partial support from the army to the police, particularly for static duties at strategic locations.
Finally, the MR stresses the importance of an international approach to the phenomenon, proposing a round table between EU member states and Latin American countries affected by drug trafficking. The party also proposes the creation of an international judicial body to combat drug trafficking.
The MR's plan focuses on a comprehensive approach, from prevention to enforcement, with bold measures to curb the rise in crime in Belgium. As neighbourhood committees and thousands of citizens denounce growing insecurity, the MR is calling for immediate action to turn the tide.