At the initiative of the MR Members' Consultative Assembly, chaired by Simon Defat, and the Jeunes MR, chaired by Cédric de Buf, an enriching meeting was held with the Minister of Security and the Interior, Bernard Quintin.
An evening of direct, straight-talking exchanges devoted to the major security challenges facing Belgians today.
The Minister recalled that security is one of the MR's and the federal government's defining hallmarks. Faced with the rise of drug trafficking, increasing violence and the evolution of criminal networks, Bernard Quintin stressed the need for the State to deploy its full strength. He detailed the many measures already under way: strengthening the federal judicial police, rolling out the “major cities” plan, increasing coordinated operations between local and federal police, and significant investment in new security technologies.
Among the flagship projects mentioned were the development of a national network of smart cameras with number plate recognition, improved sharing of police data, and the modernisation of digital tools. The Minister also defended the deployment of mixed police-military patrols in certain sensitive areas, to boost both operational presence on the ground and the public's sense of security.
Another major project: the reform of police organisation. Bernard Quintin wants to gradually reduce the number of police zones in order to create stronger, more effective structures that are better equipped to tackle new forms of crime. "Security is the first of all freedoms," he reiterated.
The many exchanges with MR members and the Jeunes MR made it possible to address concrete issues: tackling illegal encampments, managing strike pickets, the appeal of police careers, officer training, and also radicalisation and extremism. Bernard Quintin acknowledged the significant challenges faced by security services, while praising the daily commitment of police officers on the ground.