Support for Police Zone Merger Surges..Parliament’s Tight Vote Signals Major Belgian Shift

Support for Police Zone Merger Grows as Parliament Votes Tight

The Brussels police zone merger faces uncertainty as neither pro- nor anti-fusion resolutions passed, revealing evolving opinions but no clear majority yet.

Marie Dupont4 hours agoLast Update : 4 hours ago

Steun voor fusie politiezones groeit, blijkt uit nipte stemming in parlement

www.bruzz.be

The debate over the future of the Brussels police zones has taken a surprising turn. On 2025-06-18 20:24:00, the Brussels parliament’s Interior Affairs committee rejected both the resolution from Groen advocating for a unified police zone and the resolution from Défi opposing the merger. This unexpected outcome highlights a shift in opinions within Brussels politics.

6 Key Takeaways

Resoluties over eengemaakte politiezone weggestemd
Steun voor eengemaakte zone licht gestegen
Geen meerderheid voor fusie of behoud
Weinig weerstand verwacht tegen fusieplannen
Plenaire stemming kan uitslag wijzigen
Fusie moet operationeel zijn in 2027

While one might expect a clear majority either supporting or opposing the fusion, the committee’s vote revealed a narrow divide. The resolution supporting a single police zone gained six votes in favour but was narrowly defeated by seven opposing votes and two abstentions. Meanwhile, Défi’s resolution against the merger also failed to secure approval.

What does this mean for the future of policing in Brussels? Let’s explore the implications and what the next steps could be.

Fast Answer: Brussels’ Interior Affairs committee shows no majority for or against the police zone merger, indicating ongoing debate and uncertainty ahead of the planned 2027 fusion.

Does this indecisive vote reflect deeper political uncertainty or a strategic pause? The results suggest a maturing discussion but also raise questions about the feasibility of the proposed merger. Key points to consider include:

The committee’s vote is a marked change from previous years, with more support for a unified police zone than before.
Federal Interior Minister Bernard Quintin’s plan for a single police chief by 2027 faces limited opposition in Brussels parliament so far.
Local voices, especially some Les Engagés and PS mayors, remain firmly against the merger, showing municipal resistance.
The committee vote is not final; plenary sessions could yield different outcomes depending on member support.

Brussels’ unique political landscape means decisions on police zones have broad implications for local governance and cross-community cooperation in the capital region.

Will the Brussels parliament find a consensus on this divisive issue? As the 2027 deadline approaches, continued dialogue and negotiation will be crucial. Stakeholders and citizens alike should stay informed and engaged as the debate unfolds.