Pierre-Yves Jeholet (MR) made a forceful statement during a recent parliamentary session in which he emphasized the importance of conducting protests peacefully. He stated that he had zero tolerance for police violence and for any authority figures who fail to uphold the law. The minister-president was responding to a question about the violent clashes that took place during demonstrations in France. The PTB had urged the minister-president to condemn police excesses in France, which he did. He also expressed his concern for the safety of police officers and other authority figures, as well as firefighters and paramedics who have been subjected to physical and verbal violence during protests. A Marxist deputy disagreed with Jeholet’s statement, noting that the French police have been assaulting firefighters and teachers.
”A demonstration must also take place with respect. If I have zero tolerance with regard to police violence, I have zero tolerance with regard to all those who assume a certain authority and who guarantee us to live in a state of law”declared Pierre-Yves Jeholet (MR), on Thursday during a “strong” declaration at the rostrum of the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
The Minister-President answered a topical question from the PTB on the violence perpetrated during the demonstrations in France. “We asked the Minister-President to take advantage of the privileged relations he has with France within the framework of the OIF to take positions to condemn the excesses of the police”, explains Germain Mugemangango, head of the PTB group.
The Liberal actually pointed to these clashes between demonstrators and police that occurred in the context of the protests against the pension reform. “I cannot accept the violence against our police officers. Of our police officers, here in Belgium, in France, who carry out a terribly difficult job for them, for their families, in the morning when they go to work with the threats that weigh on them on a daily basis.
The Liégeois was also moved by the situation of firefighters, paramedics “who today are victims of verbal violence, physical violence”. “This is unacceptable. We cannot also trivialize violence against authority, whatever it may be.”
Which exasperates the Marxist deputy. “Completely off the mark this statement. If he inquired, the Minister-President would learn that the French police are in the process of beating up firefighters and teachers who are demonstrating.
In conclusion, the recent protests in France have sparked controversial discussions about the use of violence by authorities and the importance of peaceful demonstrations. The Minister-President of Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Pierre-Yves Jeholet, expressed a strong stance against all forms of violence, including that against police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. However, the statement was not well-received by the PTB group who countered that the French police are also perpetrating violence against protesters. It is important to remember the value of respectful and peaceful demonstrations, while also acknowledging the severity of any violent behavior. Ultimately, it is vital for all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution and prioritize the safety of everyone involved.