BRUSSELS — Bernard Quintin, a seasoned diplomat with deep ties to Brussels, faces a formidable challenge as he steps into his role as Belgium’s new minister for security and home affairs. With a career spanning two decades across various international postings, from Rio de Janeiro to Ukraine, Quintin’s recent appointment comes at a critical time as Brussels grapples with a surge in drug-related violence.
Quintin’s mission is clear: he aims to enact significant police reforms and combat the city’s rampant gang crime. However, he is confronted with substantial obstacles, including budget constraints, a pervasive mistrust of federal intervention in local affairs, and a political landscape marred by stagnation. In a candid assessment, he described the situation in Brussels as “in a catastrophic situation,” highlighting the urgent need for action.
Confronting the challenge of gun violence
As a native of Brussels, Quintin is deeply passionate about the city, which he believes beautifully combines urban culture with a provincial charm. Yet, he also pointed out the pressing issues plaguing its streets, including rampant crime and infrastructural decay. “I think it’s a scandal,” Quintin stated, reflecting on the city’s ongoing governmental vacuum nearly a year after elections, which has left it without a functioning regional government.
Statistics underscore Quintin’s concerns: in 2024 alone, the city witnessed 90 shootings, resulting in nine fatalities, placing Brussels among the top three European cities grappling with gun violence, alongside Marseille and Naples. Addressing these alarming trends, he emphasized the necessity for improved coordination among police forces to enable swift and effective interventions.
Plans for reform amidst political resistance
Despite the urgency for reform, local politicians are resistant to the Belgian government’s proposal to consolidate Brussels’ six police forces into a single unit, fearing it could alienate law enforcement from the community. Many view this plan as an imposition from the Flemish-nationalist government, rekindling the divisive language issues that have historically plagued Belgian politics.
Quintin is acutely aware of the political sensitivities and aims to act decisively. He plans to submit his reform proposal to parliament by Belgium’s national day on July 21, with the goal of merging the police forces by 2027. In his view, the existing fragmentation is an anomaly that hinders effective response to crises in the city. “The coordination issue, which arises every time something happens in Brussels, wouldn’t come up anymore,” he asserted.
In an effort to address the concerns of local leaders, Quintin has committed to ensuring that police remain integrated within the various communes of Brussels. He is also evaluating police funding structures and has suggested transferring some of the financial burdens to the federal government.
“Consultation is in my DNA,” Quintin said. “After my career, it would be a shame if nothing had stuck.”
Quintin’s comprehensive strategy to tackle drug trafficking encompasses the entire supply chain, from producers and traffickers to end users. He stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines education, prevention, and, when necessary, punishment. “If you buy marijuana, if you buy cocaine, if you buy heroin, you’re a part of that chain and you bear part of the responsibility,” he explained, advocating for a balance between punitive measures and community education.
The ongoing political stalemate in Brussels complicates matters further. Quintin noted that the lack of a fully operational government hampers decisive action, leading to increasing frustration among local leaders. Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s recent remarks regarding conditional federal assistance have sparked significant backlash, with critics accusing him of overstepping and reinforcing regional divisions.
As a Brussels local, Quintin finds himself at the intersection of these complex political dynamics. While he acknowledges the city’s financial challenges, he also argues against treating Brussels as simply a “bottomless pit” for federal resources without accountability. He firmly believes in the necessity of Brussels maintaining its status as a distinct entity, stating, “I’m neither Flemish nor Wallonian, I’m Bruxellois. I was born in Brussels, my parents were born in Brussels … It’s the city I return to, to take a breath after years abroad.”