Around 2,000 people took to the streets on Sunday afternoon at 14:00 for the National March Against Racism in Brussels, according to the Brussels police.
The march began at Albertina Square in the capital. Protestors then moved towards the Kapellekerk before returning to Albertina near the Central Station. The demonstration was peaceful with no reported incidents.
The event was supported by many civic organisations and political parties, including 11.11.11., Réseau ADES, unions ABVV-FGTB and ACV-CSC, Amnesty International, BelRefugees, and parties like Groen and PVDA-PTB.
Protestors mainly criticised the policies of the Flemish and federal governments. They expressed frustration over the lack of practical tests in the housing market in Flanders, and the federal government’s asylum and migration policies, specifically those of Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA).
ABVV leader Bert Engelaar stated, “If Van Bossuyt considers detaining children in closed centres again, we have serious concerns. We do not believe these children are to blame for Belgium’s migration issues. This is purely political gain, and we are here to prove otherwise.”
Engelaar labelled the migration section of the federal coalition agreement as “outrageous.” He emphasised their commitment to defending fundamental human rights.
Engelaar also accused both the Flemish and federal governments of setting people against each other. “The unemployed are labelled lazy, the sick are seen as exploiters, and civil servants are criticised for having high pensions. But in reality, they are making a mess of things.”
PVDA-PTB and Groen members were prominent at the protest. Ayse Yigit, federal MP for PVDA-PTB, highlighted that racism remains a daily reality for many in Belgium. She criticised the new Arizona coalition agreement for neglecting equal opportunities and condemned its asylum and migration policies.
Flemish MP Fourat Ben Chika (Groen) stressed the importance of raising their voices. “Whether it is about housing, public space, education, or other issues, it is clear the fight against racism is far from over.” He added that the Flemish government ignores proven solutions, such as practical testing in the housing market.
Team Fouad Ahidar leader Fouad Ahidar also attended. He stated, “This Arizona government will not stop racism but will further it. If children might be detained again, where is Belgium heading?”
Ahidar also criticised the lack of a government in the Brussels-Capital Region. He described the veto against his party as a clear form of “structural racism.” He said, “We won the elections. When Bouchez (MR party president) speaks about respecting voters, which voters is he referring to? We should also be at the negotiating table. All my voters are Belgians as well.”
