Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Interior Minister Bernard Quintin urges stricter police measures and OSINT after Brussels’ October 14 protest, involving thousands; MPs Maouane, De Vreese, and Francken react, 5 arrested for violence.
As GVA News reported, Interior Minister Bernard Quintin has asked the police to consider stronger measures for upcoming demonstrations. The call comes after last week’s national day of action in Brussels, which led to serious damage in the city. Protesters caused destruction to several buildings, including the Immigration Office.
Quintin spoke about the events in Parliament on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025. He said the police must keep public order while respecting the law. He also stressed the need to plan carefully and monitor demonstrations closely to prevent further damage and protect citizens and property.
“Vandalism is a euphemism for this violence. These are not ordinary protesters; these are people committing criminal acts under the extreme left,“
denounced Maaike De Vreese (N-VA).
“This violence is absolutely unacceptable. We must have the courage to discuss the means we use for this and the legal framework required.”
What Steps Are Quintin and the Police Taking After Brussels’ October 14 Protest?
The question of “less-lethal” weapons was also discussed. Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) suggested using tools like the FN303 to control rioters. Quintin said such weapons should only be used in self-defence, when someone’s safety is directly at risk. He added that any stronger police measures must be controlled and proportionate.
“Belgium is not the Wild West,”
Quintin said.
“The aim is to better assess risks, strengthen coordination with organisers and better tailor the deployment of resources to new forms of mobilisation.”
Bernard Quintin
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said the police and the Crisis Centre are reviewing last week’s demonstrations in Brussels to learn the necessary lessons. He wants authorities to improve how they respond to similar events in the future and prevent damage or disorder. Quintin also plans to set up a legal framework for the use of OSINT, or Open Source Intelligence. This allows police to collect and analyse information from publicly available sources.
“For upcoming demonstrations, I’ve asked the police to consider stricter accompanying measures, while respecting the right to demonstrate. The goal is to better assess the risks, strengthen coordination with organisers, and better tailor the deployment of resources to new forms of mobilisation,”
the minister said.
During the parliamentary session, MP Raja Maouane (Ecolo-Groen) questioned Quintin about the police’s actions, noting that officers did not hesitate to use force during the demonstration. The minister replied that, according to reports from the Brussels police, all actions were carried out under the rules of “negotiated management of public space.” Force is applied only when necessary and always within legal limits.
On October 14, 2025, thousands of people marched through Brussels in a national protest against proposed government cuts to pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. The
Comments
16 responses to “Bernard Quintin Advocates for Tougher Police Measures Following Brussels Protest”
-
Seems like Quintin thinks we can just sprinkle a bit more police presence and voilà, the chaos will vanish. Brilliant strategy, mate! 🎩💼
-
Seems like Quintin’s got a flair for the dramatic—who knew a protest could be so riveting? Next, he’ll be proposing a police ballet to “dance” with the demonstrators! 🎭💃
-
Seems like Quintin thinks we’re living in a cowboy movie, where the police need to wrangle the protesters like some unruly cattle. Can’t wait for the next episode of “Brussels: The Wild West!” 🤠💼
-
Looks like Minister Quintin is ready to turn Brussels into a police state just to keep the peace—because nothing says “freedom of expression” like stronger police measures, right? 🤦♂️
-
Stricter police measures, eh? Guess we’ll need a new Olympic sport for crowd control at this rate! 🎭 Hope they’ve got their safety gear and a good supply of “please don’t break my windows” signs ready!
-
Seems like the only thing tougher than the protests in Brussels is Quintin’s insistence on ‘negotiated management’—just what we need, eh? 🤷♂️ Good luck with that, mate!
-
Just what we need, more police measures to turn our lovely Brussels into a scene from a B-grade western! 🤠 But hey, at least we can still practice our right to protest… right after we navigate the new obstacle course of the law! 🥳
-
Seems like Quintin thinks we’re living in a real-life action movie—who knew Brussels was the new Wild West? Next up, we’ll be handing out capes instead of police badges! 😂
-
Looks like Minister Quintin’s ready to turn Brussels into a real-life game of “Cops and Robbers,” eh? I mean, who needs a peaceful protest when you’ve got a front-row seat to the next action blockbuster, right? 😂
-
Seems like Bernard’s got a real handle on the situation, eh? Maybe next time he can just ask the protesters to politely sit down with tea and biscuits instead of causing a ruckus! 🍵😏
-
Looks like Quintin’s preparing for a showdown worthy of a spaghetti western, but in Brussels, we prefer our conflicts with a side of frites and maybe a good beer. 🍻 Let’s just hope the only thing that gets shot is the budget!
-
Sure, because nothing says “let’s discuss our grievances” quite like a bit of vandalism, right? Bravo, Quintin, let’s just turn Brussels into a real-life episode of “Cops” while we’re at it! 😂🏙️
-
Looks like Quintin’s idea of stricter police measures is just what we need, because nothing says “freedom to protest” like a nice dose of heavy-handedness, right? 😏🇧🇪
-
Seems like Brussels is trying to turn into a modern-day gladiator arena—who needs coliseums when you have protests, right? 🎭 Just praying our dear minister doesn’t start handing out popcorn! 🍿
-
Seems like Quintin’s really cracked the code to peaceful protests—more police measures and less ‘Wild West’ vibes. Next up, maybe they’ll hand out free helmets at the door? 🤔💼
-
Looks like Bernard’s got a new career in event planning—who knew tougher police measures were the new “it” thing in Brussels? 😂 Just what we need, more fun at protests, right? 🍻
Last News
A Comprehensive Strategy to Strengthen Europe’s Defense Preparedness
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: The defensive view of Europe extends to 360 degrees, something that has always been a constant Greek position
Member states are urged to take the lea
What Liz Truss Hopes Britain Will Learn from Trump
Steve Bannon and the Murderers and Hitmen Who Became His ‘Besties’
United States (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to President Donald Trump, forged unusual friendships with convicted murderers and mob hitmen while serving time in Danbury Federal Prison. These associations reveal Bannon’s unique prison experience and ongoing political influence despite incarceration.
Bannon’s Time in Prison and Unusual Alliances
Steve Bannon w
World News Brief: ICJ on Gaza, "A Rare and Positive Day" for Nuclear Security in Ukraine, and Internally Displaced People in Nigeria
In statements released by the UN spokesperson, Mr. Guterres urged Israel to uphold its obligations to the UN and its humanitarian partners, emphasizing that all parties in the conflict must
Letter from von der Leyen to EU Leaders Regarding Migration
This letter details a comprehensive strategy to manage migration, with an emphasis on finalizing the legal framework in the coming months.
The Commission President notes that illegal migrant trafficking is a significant issue, necessitating stro
EU Delays Decision on Russian Assets for Ukraine to December — As It Happened
Ultimately, the leaders agreed on wording that postponed the deci
Jack Smith Requests Public Testimony Approval from Congress and Justice Department
United States (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Former Special Counsel Jack Smith has formally requested permission from Congress and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to testify publicly in open hearings. Smith seeks to address what he calls widespread mischaracterisations of his investigation into former President Donald Trump, particularly concerning classified documents and the 2020 election prob
Millions Pushed to ‘Brink of Survival’ in Sudan
Brussels Must Put an End to the Clock Change
This practice of switching to winter and summer time every six months was introduced in Europe in the 1970s to conserve energy amid the oil crisis.
The European Commission first proposed its aboli
Pelt Het Herent 280-kg Bell Relocates to Neerpelt Carillon
Pelt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Historic 280-kg bell from Het Herent Church, Pelt, was moved to Neerpelt’s St. Nicholas Church for the carillon. Carillonneur Jan Verheyen will debut it at the November 15, 2025, concert.
As VRT News reported, this morning, Oct 23, 2025, a historic bell was removed from the church tower of Het Herent in Pelt, in the province of Limburg. The church has 2 bells,
Leave a Reply