Belgian police shut down a gathering of far-right politicians and supporters in Brussels on Tuesday, citing concerns about public order. The annual National Conservative conference brought together a few hundred nationalist and fundamentalist Christian politicians and think-tankers ahead of Europe-wide elections. British and Belgian leaders expressed concern over the event’s closure, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak advocating for free speech as a fundamental pillar of democracy.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo condemned the shutdown of the conference, stating that banning political meetings goes against the freedom of speech and peaceful assembly guaranteed by the Belgian constitution since 1830. The conference, held at the Claridge event center, was closed by police who blocked attendees from reentering the venue after they left. Previous venues had backed out due to threats of disruption by anti-fascist protesters, leading to a series of challenges for the organizers.
Anti-migrant sentiment and criticism of climate policy and multinational organizations like the EU were highlighted during the conference. Mainstream political parties are expected to retain power after the upcoming elections, but possibly with a reduced majority. The event, organized by the conservative U.S. think tank the Edmund Burke Foundation, focused on preserving the nation-state in Europe and featured speakers from various European countries, including French far-right figure Eric Zemmour and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The shutdown of the conference sparked outrage among attendees, who viewed it as an attack on free speech. Some speakers compared modern liberal democracy to authoritarianism and expressed solidarity with other voices being silenced. Despite the obstacles faced by the organizers, the event continued with participants rallying against mainstream political parties and vowing to stand up for their beliefs. Edmund Burke Foundation Chairman Yoram Hazony encouraged participants to defy restrictions and continue expressing their views.
The conference’s focus on nationalism, conservatism, and the preservation of the nation-state reflected the growing sentiment among disenchanted voters in Europe. The presence of prominent far-right figures and politicians from different countries underscored the unity among those seeking to challenge the status quo. While facing opposition and disruptions, attendees remained determined to make their voices heard and push back against what they perceived as threats to their values and freedoms.
As the event unfolded, the clashes between supporters of the conference and protesters outside the venue exemplified the deep divisions within European societies. The tensions surrounding issues of free speech, migration, and national sovereignty underscored the challenges facing mainstream parties in addressing the concerns of a growing segment of the population disillusioned with the current political landscape. Despite the shutdown and obstacles faced, participants at the National Conservative conference remained resolute in their commitment to advocating for their beliefs and challenging the prevailing narratives in European politics.
