Belgium’s far right capitalizes on migration after terror attack

Politico: Belgium’s far-right party, Vlaams Belang, is using a recent terror attack by an undocumented migrant to capitalize on the issue of migration ahead of national and regional elections in June next year. The attacker, Abdessalem Lassoued, had been living in Belgium despite a failed asylum petition and was subject to an order to leave the country. Vlaams Belang has circulated ads highlighting this fact, criticizing the government’s handling of the situation. The party is currently leading in the polls, while more centrist parties could see a decline in support. The government is now facing criticism for its inefficient return policy, as fewer people are being repatriated compared to a decade ago. Belgium aims to prioritize forced returns and relations with countries of origin during its upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU in 2024.

The entire article can be read at the link https://www.politico.eu/article/belgium-far-right-vlaams-belang-migration-loophole-terror-attack-abdessalem-lassoued/