If this week's previous Briefs didn't convince you of the magnitude of the Brussels Urban Summit affair, the controversy is refusing to simmer down as each revelation prompts more questions than it resolves.
Now three days since the Brussels Secretary of State for Urbanism resigned for his part in ensuring that an Iranian (and also Russian) delegation attended the event last week, the trail of blame has climbed to the top of Belgium's political order. Already as he stood down, Smet highlighted the part played by Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib, who saw to it that the necessary visas were granted, despite her own office advising against this.
Lahbib will be questioned by parliamentarians this afternoon about why she would give her federal authority to a move so clearly out of step with Belgium's diplomatic stance towards Iran. The undisguised outrage that has already been vocalised by members of the public and charges of hypocrisy levelled by MPs indicate that Lahbib isn't in for an easy ride in today's cross-examination.
But matters went a step further last night when it transpired that Lahbib had sought clearance from the Prime Minister's office. This was given, on the grounds that Iran had already been sent an official invitation and it would be an inconvenient humiliation to subsequently refuse the visas to come to Belgium.
The matter becomes more farcical as De Croo has pointed the finger at Smet in the first instance for extending the invitation to Iran. The implication being that this left little option but to honour the invitation.
The Prime Minister's admission certainly brings another dimension to the problem but makes it even less likely that things will be settled in today's hearing – which will now also see De Croo questioned. Parliamentarians have been quick to point out how disjointed the whole thing is and argue that with Smet gone, surely Lahbib (and logically De Croo) must accept responsibility.
Or will we keep going round in circles? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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