An MR conference is due to take place this Wednesday evening in the Saint-Gilles municipal hall. The event, open to all, aims to present the federal government's decided and upcoming reforms and to answer residents' questions. But its organisation is causing strong polarisation: between liberal supporters and far-left activists calling for it to be disrupted, the gathering is crystallising the tensions.
The situation is reminiscent of the incidents in Liège in September during the tribute to Jean Gol, which was disrupted by anti-fascist protesters. In Saint-Gilles, the Front d'action révolutionnaire is again calling for the conference to be prevented, mentioning various disruptive actions. However, mayor Jean Spinette has confirmed the event will indeed go ahead. He will tolerate a gathering at Place Bethléem, but any hostile movement towards the conference will be blocked. A significant police presence, around 150 officers, will secure the area.
In an interview with Le Soir, Olaf Van Der Straten, chairman of the MR branch in Saint-Gilles, firmly defends the decision to keep the conference on.
According to him, it is essential that the leading French-speaking party can meet all citizens, including in neighbourhoods where some activists try to exert pressure:
"The MR is the leading French-speaking party, it must go into every neighbourhood. Talking about provocation is shocking in a democracy. The leading French-speaking party can go anywhere, without provocation."
He also points out that the aim of the evening is to invite all residents, including those who oppose the reforms, to come and ask their questions.
"We invite everyone to come, especially those who disagree. The goal is to explain things to them."
Finally, Olaf denounces the methods used by some opponents: fake registration forms, pressure on the non-profit managing the hall, public calls to physically prevent the event from taking place.
He expresses concern over a climate of intimidation incompatible with democratic principles and regrets that such a large police presence is necessary for a simple political conference.
Despite these tensions, the local branch remains committed to ensuring an open, transparent and respectful debate. A fundamental democratic requirement, at a time when some seem to want to prevent even a public gathering from taking place.