The debate over electronic monitoring for convicted criminals is heating up in Belgium. On 2025-05-18 17:52:00, Vlaams minister van Justitie Zuhal Demir urged her federal counterpart, Annelies Verlinden, to quickly fund 4,000 ankle bracelets to address prison overcrowding. This proposal aims to reduce the number of offenders currently free due to lack of space in prisons.
- Vlaams minister Demir vraagt financiering Verlinden
- 4.000 veroordeelden moeten enkelband krijgen
- Verlinden wijst wettelijke complexiteit als oorzaak
- Demir benadrukt urgentie elektronisch toezicht
- Verlinden noemt parlementaire tweederdemeerderheid nodig
- Verlinden verwijst naar premier Bart De Wever
However, Verlinden has raised concerns about the legal hurdles involved, stating that financing such a measure requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority. With 18 million euros at stake, the question remains: who will foot the bill, and can Belgium move swiftly to implement electronic monitoring?
As tensions rise between the Flemish and federal justice ministers, the public wonders if this standoff will delay much-needed reforms. What does this mean for public safety, and how soon can the government act? The following Fast Answer sheds light on the situation.
Why is there a delay in funding electronic monitoring devices? The issue highlights Belgium’s complex federal system and the challenges of cooperation between regional and federal authorities. Key points include:
- The Flemish government controls the ankle bracelets but lacks budget for prefinancing.
- Federal approval is needed to allocate 18 million euros, requiring a two-thirds majority in parliament.
- Verlinden emphasizes legal and procedural hurdles, urging caution over rushed decisions.
- Demir stresses the urgent need to reduce the number of offenders roaming free due to prison overcrowding.
Looking ahead, will the political actors find common ground to fast-track funding and enhance public safety? Belgian citizens and policymakers alike await clear decisions as prison overcrowding remains a pressing concern. Continued dialogue and swift action are essential to resolve this impasse.
