Protesters Vandalize MR Party HQ in Brussels Over Middle East Conflict; Bouchez Condemns 'Violence of the Left'
October 5, 2024On the evening of October 4, 2024, a protest advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon took place in Brussels.
In response to comments made by Georges-Louis Bouchez regarding Israel's actions in Lebanon, protesters vandalized the headquarters of the MR party, breaking a window and tagging the building.
Bouchez defended his party's stance, asserting that the MR is the only political party with a balanced approach to the Middle East conflict, supporting Israel's right to defend itself while condemning excessive retaliatory actions.
He criticized the left for what he described as violent and intimidating behavior, suggesting they are reacting nervously to shifting public opinion.
In a Facebook post on October 5, Bouchez expressed outrage at the 'violence of the left,' labeling the protesters as 'ignorant thugs'.
He condemned the vandalism and questioned the local government's handling of the protest, particularly criticizing Saint-Gilles Mayor Jean Spinette for allowing the small group of about a hundred protesters to cause damage without intervention.
Bouchez vowed to take personal responsibility for identifying those accountable for the vandalism, stating he could no longer tolerate lawlessness in Brussels and Wallonia.
The MR party headquarters was targeted again with vandalism, including broken windows and smoke bombs, which Bouchez attributed to individuals claiming to be anti-fascist and pro-Palestinian activists.
Summary based on 2 sources