MR MP David Weytsman wants an examination of a formal ban on all far-right and far-left movements that engage in politics with children under 16
The Wallonia-Brussels Federation MP, David Weytsman, expressed his deep concern in the press this Friday morning about the systematic indoctrination observed on social media and the internet by Redfox, the PTB's youth organisation. He formally raised his major concern with the Minister for Youth, Françoise Bertieaux.
He firmly insists on the need to set up a working group dedicated to examining a formal ban on all far-right and far-left movements that engage in politics with children under 16. This approach aims to protect young people from any form of political indoctrination that is harmful to their development and to the preservation of democratic values.
“The topics addressed are extreme, and reflect the PTB's populist rhetoric. On its website, Redfox not only encourages young people to engage in uncivil acts but also to join a ‘community of rebels’ opposing the future being ‘imposed on them’, with slogans depicting our society as racist, sexist, unequal, and so on. Children are also invited to take part in workshops and camps to discuss social issues. This approach to indoctrinating children raises concerns about possible ideological manipulation, the promotion of far too early extreme political engagement, and the risk of political polarisation harmful to our democracy.”
The Minister explained that this association was being monitored, like others, by the inspection services. She repeated that if she were to learn that illegal, uncivil acts or acts contrary to fundamental freedoms were taking place, she would immediately send in the inspection services.
The Liberal MP will also shortly be checking with the Minister for Education, Caroline Désir, to ensure this type of organisation cannot “gain entry” into schools.
Laura Hidalgo, President of Jeunes MR, supports this initiative:
“Knowing that a 12-year-old child can join the PTB in one minute is very worrying. This PTB organisation needs tighter control. Wanting young people to take an interest in politics makes sense in a democracy. All French-speaking democratic parties, moreover, have an organisation dedicated to young people. These organisations have a mission to train CRACS (Responsible, Active, Critical and Caring Citizens). That is clearly not the case here. What Redfox is doing is unacceptable. This kind of indoctrination must be stopped.”