Fears—and, for some, hopes—that the streets of Brussels would be overwhelmed by vehicles from the European ‘Freedom Convoy’ have proven unfounded. On Monday, a combination of precautions taken by authorities ensured that such a scenario, as witnessed in Canada’s capital, did not materialize.
Through a formal ban by Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, any vehicles associated with the movement were barred access to the city center. This, combined with controls at the Belgian border, effectively contained the movement, thereby making it inert. About 130 vehicles which stubbornly tried to enter the heart of the city, were instead redirected to car park C at the Heizel. Its participants had announced to gather at the Belgian capital to protest corona measures, ever-mounting living costs, and high fuel prices.
From there, many of the demonstrators (estimates range from 150 to 200) proceeded on foot to the Vismarkt in the city center and the European District, an area which houses many EU institutions. A considerable police presence awaited them there. To avoid more people from streaming in via public transportation, the Schuman metro station had been temporarily shut down. Dozens of demonstrators were repeatedly heard shouting “liberté,” the French word for freedom. By the afternoon, peace returned to the area after police had surrounded and subsequently dispersed the demonstrators. A total of 30 arrests were made.
Around 4:30p.m., Brussels police reopened traffic, and checks on vehicles with demonstrators on Brussels’ periphery had ended. Some were still being carried out at the Kleine Ring and in the European District.
Earlier that day, mayor Close had told RTBF radio that a total of 400-500 cars and vans had been spotted making their way to Brussels. Most of the vehicles came from France, where a similar, though considerably less peaceful, protest took place over the weekend. Explaining the need for the stringent measures, Close said it was “a matter of not allowing the Belgian capital to be taken hostage.” To keep this from occurring, a significant body of Brussels police remained on standby.
