As Belgium marks the May Day holiday this Friday, political parties are holding traditional rallies. The MR party is scheduled to hold its event at Blegny-Mine in the province of Liège, a decision that has sparked controversy and led to the site being closed to the public, according to reports from Vincent Legraive.
The MR’s planned speech, to be delivered by Georges-Louis Bouchez, has drawn criticism due to the temporary closure of Blegny-Mine to the general public. The decision to close the site was made by police, citing concerns about potential tensions given the president’s presence, and follows unrest in Liège in November of last year.
Blegny’s mayor, Jérôme Cochart, clarified that the MR did not request the site’s privatization, stating, “Ah non, the MR never asked that the site be privatized, it’s a requirement of the forces of order to guarantee security.”
The closure is impacting local businesses. Romain Becken, owner of the Chez Rom restaurant located near Blegny-Mine, explained, “I work with people passing through and as they are going to prevent the passage of the public, I am not going to open. I have a six-month-old daughter, I prefer to stay at home for half a day. But we will open again in the evening, since there will be people again.”
Public reaction to the MR’s event is divided, according to the mayor. “Like any controversial subject, there are people for, and against. Some residents believe that the visit of the president of the MR is not tolerable and others believe that it is perfectly normal for a democratic party to come and meet,” Cochart stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the controversy surrounding the MR’s event?
The controversy stems from the closure of Blegny-Mine to the public during the MR’s event, which some view as a privatization of the site.
Who made the decision to close Blegny-Mine?
The decision to close Blegny-Mine was made by the police, due to concerns about potential tensions.
What is the MR’s response to the criticism?
According to Jérôme Cochart, the MR did not request the site’s privatization, and the closure was a security measure imposed by the police.
As Blegny-Mine prepares for the MR’s rally, and with the site closed to the public, will the event ultimately draw more attention to the area and its businesses, or will it further fuel existing discontent?
