The new federal government plans to deploy soldiers more frequently for static tasks, allowing more police officers to patrol the streets.
This announcement was made by Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) on Sunday during an appearance on “De Zevende Dag” on VRT 1. Quintin confirmed that the merger of the six Brussels police zones will happen as soon as possible, although he intends to discuss the matter further with mayors and police chiefs.
Quintin has already consulted with Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) regarding the use of military personnel. Specifically, soldiers would be responsible for guarding locations such as embassies and nuclear plants. This would enable more police officers to focus on street patrols. Quintin emphasised that ensuring public safety is primarily a police duty.
The minister’s remarks were in response to recent shootings in Brussels, which led to an increased police presence on the streets. The duration of this reinforcement is yet to be determined. “As long as necessary. A week, two weeks, a month, we will see,” Quintin stated. “Zero tolerance is now the priority.”
Quintin reiterated that the merger of the six local zones in Brussels is inevitable. “It is part of the coalition agreement, so I will implement it,” he said. “However, as a person who values consultation, I will talk with the mayors and police chiefs.” The aim of the unified zone is to enhance safety, not to inconvenience mayors, Quintin added.
Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Jan Jambon (N-VA) – who formerly held the Interior Minister portfolio – asserted that the federal government could enforce this merger. “And we will do so,” he affirmed. Frédéric De Gucht, the Brussels leader of Open VLD, supports the merger but worries that it may not be realised. De Gucht criticised the previous unsuccessful attempt to merge dispatch services in 2019, which failed because three of the six zones opposed it.
