July 21 rhymes with a military parade. Around the King, the escort of horsemen is always very noticeable. But the police force has threatened to strike this year because of the moving of the stables from Etterbeek to Wisbecq (Rebecq). So, will we see the mounted police on the Place des Palais?
On strike or not?
Until yesterday, the answer was evasive. Police riders have been known to hope that their travel expenses will be reimbursed. The moving of the stables indeed forces some police officers to extend their journey. As fuel prices have skyrocketed, longer trips are straining their finances. So they are waiting for a sign.
The escort delays
Finally, the police considered that it was delicate to put in difficulty the royal house which is not responsible for the situation. The horse escort renounces to strike this July 21st. She will participate in the demonstration. But not without marking the blow in a visible way.
Direct interpellation
During the parade, when the mounted police appear, the riders will directly challenge the Minister of the Interior. They will deliver to him in person, on the official platform, their letter of grievances. According to Corentin De Keyser, 1st Inspector of the Federal Mounted Police, the strike notice has been running for 15 days without the slightest response from the Minister. “The letter that will be delivered contains the demands that it (note the minister) already knows. But it’s a symbolic gesture“, he explains.
Unusual and risky
The maneuver is indeed unusual during a national holiday parade. The image probably captured by photographers and televisions will only be stronger. To see now what will be the consequences of this action.
