Despite vocal criticism from across the political sphere and consistent complaints from citizens, Brussels has announced that it will continue to keep in force a measure described by Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon as a "serious infringement of our liberty."
I'm talking, of course, about the current 10:00 PM curfew in place in the region, which has been extended until the end of the month... at least.
Everything seems to come with the caveat of "at least" these days.
Ok, so this has happened before, but this one is a little bit more surprising for a number of reasons.
- The pressure to lift the curfew in Belgium is increasing as a growing number of politicians have spoken out against the extension of the measure.
- Even supporters like CD&V party leader Joachim Coens have called the Brussels curfew - in force from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM - "problematic," saying that the coordination with the other Regions should be discussed.
- As I said at the start, high-level politicians have called curfews, in general, a "serious infringement of our liberty".
The fact that the matter was not discussed - or even mentioned - during the last meeting of the consultative committee is also coming under fire.
It's even been hinted that the curfew could last in some capacity until May.
Have you had any experience with the curfew? Problems? Concerns?
Or should the measure just be accepted while other things start to ease bit by bit?
Let @johnstonjules know on Twitter.
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Jules Johnston
The Brussels Times
