If the human shock of last Monday's terror attack has subsided (despite bomb threats in airports across Belgium and France), the political fallout continues to rock the governing coalition – to the point where some question whether Alexander De Croo's "Vivaldi" government will make it through to elections next June.
The shooting last week – which killed two Swedish nationals in Brussels for a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match – triggered a state of high alert, which dissipated after the gunman was shot dead by police the morning after. But the investigations that followed have put national security and judicial forces in the spotlight as it transpired that the perpetrator was known for numerous offences.
To add insult to injury, 45-year-old Abdeslam Lassoued had already had his asylum application rejected in 2020 and should therefore have been prevented from residing in Belgium. Not only was his departure not enforced, his address was removed from the Foreign Office's records, meaning that he could not be traced.
The whole event has sparked intense examination of national organs that have been found lacking. Already, Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne stepped down on Friday for what he admitted was an "unacceptable error". Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden and State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor are also feeling the heat with both to be grilled this afternoon by parliamentarians seeking clarification on how so many red flags were missed.
Indeed, the latest black mark came as it was found that Interpol had issued a "red notice" for Lassoued, who was fleeing a prison sentence in his native Tunisia. However, evasion is not punishable in Belgium and the request for further information on Lassoued's case was left unanswered.
Today's hearing will seek to establish whether the incident last week was the result of neglected responsibility or instead structural flaws that prevent security threats from being identified. Already this week, the archaic system of physical dossiers used by magistrates was highlighted – an outdated practice vulnerable to human oversight.
Whilst some more constructive colleagues will take the opportunity to honestly discuss weak points in the security protocols, more belligerent opponents smell blood and may demand further resignations, possibly leading the government to collapse. Though majority partners warn this is the last thing we need right now, the simmering criticism is already fuelling pre-election tension.
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