Latest news with #VlaamsBelang
Ya Biladi
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
After royal pardon in Morocco, terror convict Abdelkader Belliraj receives Belgian passport
Weeks after walking free from a Moroccan prison following a royal pardon granted on Eid al-Fitr, terrorism convict Abdelkader Belliraj has received a Belgian passport, Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden confirmed on Tuesday. The 67-year-old, who holds both Moroccan and Belgian nationalities, was sentenced to life in prison in 2010. After his release, he contacted the Belgian embassy in Rabat, which issued him a passport. «The man has Belgian nationality and also has family in our country», Minister Verlinden told the Justice Committee, responding to a question from Vlaams Belang MP Alexander Van Hoecke. While it remains unclear whether Belliraj intends to return to Belgium, Verlinden assured the committee that «the relevant security services, including State Security, are well aware of the risk and are assessing the measures and actions that can be taken in the event of a return». She added that the matter «will be discussed with our Moroccan partners if necessary», emphasizing that the royal pardon was a sovereign decision by Morocco. «There are clear signals that Belliraj plans to return soon», Van Hoecke warned. «This is a man sentenced to life for terrorism and suspected of political assassinations. For the victims, this pardon sends a very strange signal». At the time of his release, alongside 33 terrorism and extremism-convicted detainees, Morocco's Ministry of Justice stated that these individuals had expressed their commitment to the «fundamental principles and sacred values of the Nation and national institutions», officially renouncing extremism and terrorism. The Belliraj case first drew public attention in 2008, when then-Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa announced the dismantling of what he called «one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations recently neutralized». Thirty-five men were arrested. belliraj's sentence was later reduced to 25 years in 2022.
Asharq Al-Awsat
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Le Pen Verdict Triggers Uproar from Far-Right in France and Beyond, amid Fist Pumps in Paris
The thunderclap court ruling barring far-right politician Marine Le Pen from office for the immediate future reverberated across the political spectrum of France and Europe on Monday. Her supporters branded the verdict an assault on democracy while detractors reacted with fist-pumping celebration, though even some of her critics wondered whether the court decision went too far. Long seen as a top contender for France's 2027 presidential election and a potential leader-in-waiting of the Eurozone's second economy, Le Pen was convicted of embezzling European Union funds and barred from holding public office for five years. The ruling drew swift and scathing responses from Le Pen's political kin across Europe, many of whom viewed the court's decision as an existential threat to their own movements. "I am shocked by the incredibly tough verdict against Marine Le Pen. I support and believe in her 100% and I trust she will win the appeal and become President of France," said Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders. In Italy, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini warned, "The ruling against Marine Le Pen is a declaration of war by Brussels." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared, "I am Marine." Tom Van Grieken of Belgium's Vlaams Belang called the decision "an attack on democracy," and added: "Marine Le Pen can continue to count on our support." Spain's Vox party leader Santiago Abascal insisted, "They will not succeed in silencing the voice of the French people." From Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "More and more European capitals are going down the path of trampling over democratic norms." In France, where Le Pen had fought for decades to mainstream her far-right politics, the reaction within her camp was incendiary. Jordan Bardella, her handpicked successor as president of the National Rally, used the language of political martyrdom to describe the moment. "Today it is not only Marine Le Pen who was unjustly condemned: it is French democracy that was killed," Bardella said. Éric Zemmour, another prominent far-right voice and former presidential candidate, said "It is not for judges to decide who the people must vote for." In Paris's Republic Plaza, where public demonstrations often unfold, Le Pen detractors punched the air in celebration. "We were here in this square to celebrate the death of her father," said Jean Dupont, 45, a schoolteacher. "And this is now the death of Le Pen's presidential ambitions." Sophie Martin, 34, a graphic designer, was among those in a celebratory mood. "I had to check the date-I thought it was April Fool's Day," she said. "But it's not. She's finally been knocked down. We've lived with her poison in our politics for too long." Still, not everyone welcomed the ruling. Lucien Bernard, 64, a retired civil servant, expressed concern. "It's a sad day for democracy," he said. "Whether you love or hate her, the people should not be denied a chance to express their vote in a country that is supposedly a leading Western democracy." Even from the left, where Le Pen has long been a reviled figure, the tone was complex. The far-left France Unbowed party acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but warned against judicial overreach. "We take note of this decision by the courts," the party said, "even though we reject on principle that legal recourse should be impossible for any defendant." They emphasized that their opposition to Le Pen's party would continue on political - not judicial - grounds: "We will defeat them again tomorrow at the ballot box, no matter who their candidate is."
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Le Pen verdict triggers uproar from far right in France and beyond, amid fist pumps in Paris
PARIS (AP) — The thunderclap court ruling barring far-right politician Marine Le Pen from office for the immediate future reverberated across the political spectrum of France and Europe on Monday. Her supporters branded the verdict an assault on democracy while detractors reacted with fist-pumping celebration, though even some of her critics wondered whether the court decision went too far. Long seen as a top contender for France's 2027 presidential election and a potential leader-in-waiting of the Eurozone's second economy, Le Pen was convicted of embezzling European Union funds and barred from holding public office for five years. Europe's far right closes ranks The ruling drew swift and scathing responses from Le Pen's political kin across Europe, many of whom viewed the court's decision as an existential threat to their own movements. 'I am shocked by the incredibly tough verdict against Marine Le Pen. I support and believe in her 100% and I trust she will win the appeal and become President of France,' said Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders. In Italy, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini warned, 'The ruling against Marine Le Pen is a declaration of war by Brussels.' Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared, 'I am Marine.' Tom Van Grieken of Belgium's Vlaams Belang called the decision 'an attack on democracy,' and added: 'Marine Le Pen can continue to count on our support.' Spain's Vox party leader Santiago Abascal insisted, 'They will not succeed in silencing the voice of the French people.' From Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, 'More and more European capitals are going down the path of trampling over democratic norms.' A martyr in the making? In France, where Le Pen had fought for decades to mainstream her far-right politics, the reaction within her camp was incendiary. Jordan Bardella, her handpicked successor as president of the National Rally, used the language of political martyrdom to describe the moment. 'Today it is not only Marine Le Pen who was unjustly condemned: it is French democracy that was killed,' Bardella said. Éric Zemmour, another prominent far-right voice and former presidential candidate, said 'It is not for judges to decide who the people must vote for.' From the plaza, relief and rage In Paris's Republic Plaza, where public demonstrations often unfold, Le Pen detractors punched the air in celebration. 'We were here in this square to celebrate the death of her father,' said Jean Dupont, 45, a schoolteacher. 'And this is now the death of Le Pen's presidential ambitions.' Sophie Martin, 34, a graphic designer, was among those in a celebratory mood. 'I had to check the date—I thought it was April Fool's Day,' she said. 'But it's not. She's finally been knocked down. We've lived with her poison in our politics for too long.' Still, not everyone welcomed the ruling. Lucien Bernard, 64, a retired civil servant, expressed concern. 'It's a sad day for democracy,' he said. 'Whether you love or hate her, the people should not be denied a chance to express their vote in a country that is supposedly a leading Western democracy.' The left responds with restraint Even from the left, where Le Pen has long been a reviled figure, the tone was complex. The far-left France Unbowed party acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but warned against judicial overreach. 'We take note of this decision by the courts,' the party said, 'even though we reject on principle that legal recourse should be impossible for any defendant.' They emphasized that their opposition to Le Pen's party would continue on political — not judicial — grounds: 'We will defeat them again tomorrow at the ballot box, no matter who their candidate is.'
Associated Press
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Le Pen verdict triggers uproar from far right in France and beyond, amid fist pumps in Paris
PARIS (AP) — The thunderclap court ruling barring far-right politician Marine Le Pen from office for the immediate future reverberated across the political spectrum of France and Europe on Monday. Her supporters branded the verdict an assault on democracy while detractors reacted with fist-pumping celebration, though even some of her critics wondered whether the court decision went too far. Long seen as a top contender for France's 2027 presidential election and a potential leader-in-waiting of the Eurozone's second economy, Le Pen was convicted of embezzling European Union funds and barred from holding public office for five years. Europe's far right closes ranks The ruling drew swift and scathing responses from Le Pen's political kin across Europe, many of whom viewed the court's decision as an existential threat to their own movements. 'I am shocked by the incredibly tough verdict against Marine Le Pen. I support and believe in her 100% and I trust she will win the appeal and become President of France,' said Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders. In Italy, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini warned, 'The ruling against Marine Le Pen is a declaration of war by Brussels.' Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared, 'I am Marine.' Tom Van Grieken of Belgium's Vlaams Belang called the decision 'an attack on democracy,' and added: 'Marine Le Pen can continue to count on our support.' Spain's Vox party leader Santiago Abascal insisted, 'They will not succeed in silencing the voice of the French people.' From Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, 'More and more European capitals are going down the path of trampling over democratic norms.' A martyr in the making? In France, where Le Pen had fought for decades to mainstream her far-right politics, the reaction within her camp was incendiary. Jordan Bardella, her handpicked successor as president of the National Rally, used the language of political martyrdom to describe the moment. 'Today it is not only Marine Le Pen who was unjustly condemned: it is French democracy that was killed,' Bardella said. Éric Zemmour, another prominent far-right voice and former presidential candidate, said 'It is not for judges to decide who the people must vote for.' From the plaza, relief and rage In Paris's Republic Plaza, where public demonstrations often unfold, Le Pen detractors punched the air in celebration. 'We were here in this square to celebrate the death of her father,' said Jean Dupont, 45, a schoolteacher. 'And this is now the death of Le Pen's presidential ambitions.' Sophie Martin, 34, a graphic designer, was among those in a celebratory mood. 'I had to check the date—I thought it was April Fool's Day,' she said. 'But it's not. She's finally been knocked down. We've lived with her poison in our politics for too long.' Still, not everyone welcomed the ruling. Lucien Bernard, 64, a retired civil servant, expressed concern. 'It's a sad day for democracy,' he said. 'Whether you love or hate her, the people should not be denied a chance to express their vote in a country that is supposedly a leading Western democracy.' The left responds with restraint Even from the left, where Le Pen has long been a reviled figure, the tone was complex. The far-left France Unbowed party acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but warned against judicial overreach. 'We take note of this decision by the courts,' the party said, 'even though we reject on principle that legal recourse should be impossible for any defendant.'
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Belgium set for new government after months of negotiations -VRT News
BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Political parties in Belgium on Friday agreed to form a broad government coalition, local broadcaster VRT News reported, ending almost eight months of complicated talks that followed the election victory of Flemish nationalist party N-VA. N-VA leader Bart De Wever, 54, is expected to become prime minister and lead a five-party coalition, which also includes Christian democrats and socialists from the Dutch-speaking north of the country as well as liberal and centrist parties from the French-speaking south. The far-right Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) party was excluded from the government talks, even though the anti-immigration party made the largest gains in the June 2024 election and became the country's second-largest party. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. In Belgium, where federal governments are always formed through coalitions, political parties have consistently refused to include Vlaams Belang due to its anti-immigrant and anti-EU stance as well as its aim to split up the country. Coalition talks have dragged on for months as parties struggled to agree on the budget cuts, tax hikes and pension reforms De Wever insisted on to improve the government finances of the euro zone's sixth largest economy.
