Statements of Greeks about Ninove touch Flemish Parliament: « undermines the foundation of our democracy » (Ninove)
The ongoing investigation into forgery of writings at Ninoofse Pedors also led to a discussion in the Flemish Parliament. « That a party like Vlaams Belang dismisses that as a witch hunt can’t go to me. You don’t do that, » responded Minister Crevits (CD&V).
« A political witch hunt by the system », « Orchestrated from Hogerop », « Class Justice » and « Ordinaire Putin Intimidation Techniques ». Vlaams Belang chairman Tom van Grieken opened all populist registers on Tuesday in his response to the investigation of the East Flemish public prosecutor into possible election fraud in Ninove.
Vlaams Belang party leader Chris Janssens also talked again on Wednesday afternoon in the Flemish Parliament about « the greatest political intimidation that I can imagine » and « kinging » of Vlaams Belang.
Those statements did not leave the Flemish Parliament untouched. « The fact that a party like Vlaams Belang is paying here today in this parliament and an investigation of forgery in writing as a witch hunt, that is not possible with me. You will not do that, » responded Flemish Minister of Domest’s Government Hilde Crevits (CD&V), under loud applause of the Hemisrond.
« In the first instance, it is important that we let the judiciary now do its work and I hope that everyone will let that happen in all serenity. Someone who commits forgery in elections really undermines the foundation, the essence of our democracy. » Crevits again announced that in the event of a possible referral to a criminal court, she will not fail to start a disciplinary investigation.
« Rotten apples have to get out »
The MPs, over the majority and opposition, went even brighter in the opposition to the insinuations and conspiracy theories of Vlaams Belang. « In recent years, investigations have been done by all kinds of parties, and rightly so, because Rotte apples have to be removed, » said Flemish MP Brecht Warnez (CD&V). « But anyone who thinks that the judiciary is no longer allowed to do its work will undermine the foundations of our democracy in Flanders. »
Vooruit was talking about « shameful reactions ». « It is essential that in the event of suspected fraud the court can do its work, in all independence, and in all objectivity, » said Vooruit parliament Kurt de Loor. « In that context you make statements and your beliefs remind me of fascist statements, and that is far about it, colleagues. »
