On November 9, several decisions taken by the Kern, the restricted Council of Ministers, sparked controversy. The choice to send Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib to Qatar to attend the Red Devils matches is causing a stir, especially on the side of the Ecolo party. But the Greens ended up accepting this decision.
However, another decision taken during the council of ministers will be blocked by the environmentalist party.
“The same day, during the same Council of Ministers, another point, classified as a defense secret, is on the agenda and it is also proposed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib: it is a question of authorizing the export to Great Britain of materials for nuclear use intended for British defence”explains Martin Buxant.
This is an export license for machinery to be used in the maintenance of the British nuclear arsenal. But for Ecolo, it’s too much.
After this veto by environmentalists, a minister is said to have declared: “Soon with this kind of decision, we won’t be able to sell anything to anyone. Belgium is shooting itself in the foot for pseudo-principles.”
This equipment intended for Great Britain is produced by a Flemish manufacturer, but as a response to blockages or delays, the British have already hinted that they might cancel purchases of military equipment… Walloon at the FN Herstal. A decision that would therefore penalize Flanders and Wallonia.
Contacted by Martin Buxant, Deputy Prime Minister Ecolo Georges Gilkinet did not provide an explanation.
