On April 27, 2025, Guy Verhofstadt was spotted at an intersection at Buiten Katelijnevest in Bruges. The Liberal politician ignored a red traffic light at 10:48 p.m. The prosecutor noted that the light had already been red for 29 seconds. On the other hand, the Public Prosecution Service took into account the defendant’s clean criminal record. In those circumstances, no specific punishment was demanded. Verhofstadt risks at least a 240 euro fine and a driving ban of at least eight days.
“Impeccable condition”
The defense noted that Verhofstadt was barely driving 28 kilometers per hour. According to master Christine Mussche, her client did not cause too dangerous a situation. “He was probably just distracted and immediately admitted it,” he said. The defense pointed to the impeccable record of Verhofstadt, who, despite his age, had never appeared in court. That is why Master Mussche requested a suspension of punishment. “For him it would feel like a stain if he were to be convicted.”
The verdict will be announced on May 19. After all, the police judge first wants to be able to study the written decisions of the defense.
