A fifth of Flemish communes are showing signs of far-right tendencies, according to an inquiry by the Association of Flemish communes and towns (Vereniging van Vlaamse Steden en Gemeenten – VVSG) done last summer.
Two communes in five (43%) showed signs of radicalisation in 2017, compared to one in five in 2016. More than half of local authorities act in a radical manner. The number of would-be fighters attempting to get to Syria has decreased. There are also signs of other types of radicalisation, such as homophobic violence for example.
Signs of far-right tendencies were reported in one commune in five. These include glorification of acts of extremism, wearing a swastika, owning guns, Islamophobia etc.
A third of the responses from the 151 communes involved came from the local mayor.
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The Brussels Times
