This week’s federal budget included a small detail which may have been missed by most: the Federal Government has earmarked a portion of its budget to ensure security in the country’s train stations, or reading between the lines, for Brussels-Midi.
The Federal Government will now fund a new police station which will be located inside the station. More police, as usual, has been flaunted as one of the key government solutions to the insecurity crisis around one of Europe’s major train stations.
The area has undoubtedly severe and longstanding social problems which need to be addressed. Serious crime must always be treated appropriately.
Yet Brussels-Midi does reflect the state of many other train stations around Europe: from Rome’s Termini to Paris’ Gare du Nord. Even London’s King's Cross St. Pancras, hailed as a brilliant modern station, was up until not so long ago known for its high poverty levels – which contributed to high drug use and crime.
In Belgium, the Flemish press broke the story in August which estimated that the levels of crime at Midi were the equivalent of 13 train stations in Flanders combined – setting off a national frenzy. While the comparison appeared to be a stretch, Midi is clearly the symbol of a general frustration towards Brussels and its governance. The municipalities, the Brussels Region and the Federal Government, have all been accused of shirking their responsibilities onto each other.
Yet, the ensuing pressure forced the government's hand into quick, visible action. And as is the case with reactionary solutions, throwing more police at the problem cannot treat the true causes of insecurity. 1,500 people were arrested this summer at Midi as part of the clean-up operations. Does the average Belgian voter assume these people are still locked away, with the key thrown away?
Most will have been released, further marginalised and left without social support. Arresting people for drug use seldom solves the issue, and petty crime remains the cry of the desperate.
Thoughts? Let @URealfonzo know.
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