The Vlaams Belang organized its annual New Year’s reception in Heusden-Zolder on Sunday. The party emphasized the failure of the traditional parties and presented itself as the only alternative. Tom Van Grieken also had a clear message for N-VA chairman Bart De Wever.
De Wever had previously proposed forming a business cabinet with the PS after the elections. “Is there actually anyone who is waiting for such a nonsensical technocratic government?” said Van Grieken. “What exactly do people hate? Especially to the many unelected ministers in this Vivaldi government, who impose their will without a Flemish majority. What De Wever is actually saying is that democracy is the problem. That the election results do not suit him and that the voter is the problem. Dear Bart De Wever, what we need is not less, but more democracy.”
“Bart De Wever and the N-VA have completely lost their way,” said Van Grieken. “One day he wants to be prime minister, the next day mayor of Antwerp. Can anyone still follow this man? Can anyone even believe this man anymore?”
“The system is afraid, because it feels that real change is coming,” said the Vlaams Belang chairman. “If people want a different and better policy, they also need a different and better party: Vlaams Belang.”
Immigration
“There was one common thread through all the New Year’s messages from the system parties: they are not going to talk about immigration until June 9,” Van Grieken continued. “It should not be about that because that would strategically play into the hands of Vlaams Belang. The fact that every survey shows that Flemish people are concerned about the failing immigration and asylum policy does not bother them. What they refuse to do, we will do.”
“The left’s open borders policy is a complete disaster in Europe and especially in Belgium. (…) A real repopulation is taking place. That is the result of decades of uncontrolled mass migration.”
Traditional parties
Van Grieken also lashed out at the traditional parties. They have been in power for decades, but feel responsible for the policies pursued. “And that, dear friends, is why the upcoming elections are so important. On Sunday, June 9, 2024, every Flemish person will be faced with a fundamental choice: More of the same or a different and better policy?” said the chairman. “But for this, Vlaams Belang must become the largest party, because only Vlaams Belang is the alternative in the coming elections.”
Vice-chairman and Flemish faction leader Chris Janssens emphasized in his speech that it is incorrect to portray the Vlaams Belang voters as protest voters. “We present the only alternative to the mess of the other parties and have a clear program that explains in detail how we want to make our democracy healthy, restore the purchasing power of our people, keep Flemish money in Flemish hands and stop mass migration. .”
ANALYSIS. De Wever wants, much against his will, to become Prime Minister of a country he does not believe in (+)
Bart De Wever wants a business cabinet after elections, but how realistic is that? Carl Devos answers five questions (+)
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