A Team Fouad Ahidar MP was unable to ask a question in French in the Brussels Parliament on Tuesday as it had been submitted in Dutch.
Ilyas El Omari (Team Fouad Ahidar) was not permitted to ask his question at the Brussels Parliament's Interior Committee on Tuesday.
El Omari had submitted his question in Dutch but wanted to ask it in French. Aline Godfrin (MR), the committee chair, informed him that this was not allowed.
The MP had intended to question Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort about nightlife safety in the city. As a member of the Dutch-speaking group in parliament, he had presented his question in Dutch. When he announced his intention to ask it in French, Godfrin objected.
"I won't ask my question then, because I only have the text in French," El Omari responded.
Promises to improve Dutch
El Omari is one of three MPs from Team Fouad Ahidar, elected in June. The new party surprised many by finishing second among the Dutch-speaking group.
Shortly after the elections, El Omari acknowledged the need to improve his Dutch. "My understanding of Dutch is good, but I am not yet fully proficient in political language. I will work hard this summer – no holidays for me," he told Bruzz at the time.
