The Political Circus in Izegem: A Comedy of Errors
Ah, Izegem! The place where politics isn’t just a serious business—it’s a full-on slapstick comedy! It seems we’re witnessing yet another episode of “As the Politician Turns,” where alliances are forged faster than you can say “coalition”. Recently, the Vlaams Belang department in Izegem has taken it upon themselves to file a complaint against some unknown culprits for “intimidation and threats of physical violence.” Sounds like a plot twist straight out of a soap opera, doesn’t it?
Who Needs Friends Anyway?
According to reports, the alliance that never was stems from a wildcard entry—Kurt Grymonprez, a former socialist, alongside his charming band of merry men (and women, obviously). They chose to cozy up with Vlaams Belang because, let’s face it, who else would have them? But, just as they were about to toast to their new friendship, a twist emerged: several members of their party, STiP+, were allegedly threatened, causing this merry band to scatter like roaches when the light comes on.
“It’s as if they were practicing for a game of political musical chairs, only to realize the music stopped, and all the chairs were occupied!”
Threats, Complaints, and More Drama!
Now, here comes the fun part. The Izegem Vlaams Belang crew, feeling a bit like the wronged protagonists in a tragic Greek play, decided to file complaints against “unknown persons.” Isn’t that just brilliant? It’s like filing a complaint against the universe because you can’t find your left sock! Sam Weyts, the newly minted alderman, was practically shaking his fist at the clouds, claiming that threats made against members that wanted to participate in a supposedly democratic process are a clear sign of incitement. Talk about stepping on toes!
And Then There Were Protests
What’s next, you ask? Well, Vlaams Belang is organizing a protest. Because when life gives you threats, you hit back with protest signs, right? So, gear up for what promises to be an event more entertaining than a Ricky Gervais roast! I can only imagine the placards coming out: “We’re here, we’re loud, we’re mildly confused!”
A Cordon Sanitaire Broken
Izegem has now officially turned from a place where political parties respectfully stay in their corners to one where the cordon sanitaire has literally been stomped on. In an unexpected turn of events, it seems that Izegem now holds the record for breaking the cordon faster than any politician can switch their party loyalty! The definition of political survival? Teaming up with the ‘far right’ because every other option ran away screaming.
“It’s like they walked into a bar for a smoothie and ended up ordering a toxic cocktail instead!”
The Takeaway
So, what have we learned from this Farcical Folly in Izegem? That in politics, alliances can crumble as quickly as they’re formed, threats may surface like an unwelcome guest at a dinner party, and in the end, you might just find a protest sign crowding your street. If this little drama doesn’t illustrate the absurdity of politics, I don’t know what will. Remember, folks, the show must go on! And in Izegem, it seems, the curtain is only just rising!
Stay tuned for the next episode of “As the Politician Turns.” Grab your popcorn, because it looks like we are only getting started!
Sam Weyts (left) and Filip Buyse (right) would have become councilors for Vlaams Belang in Izegem. — © BELGA
The Vlaams Belang department in Izegem plans to file a complaint against unknown persons for “the intimidation and threats of physical violence” against elected officials of STiP+. That local list was supposed to join forces with Vlaams Belang, but blew up the coalition because several members were allegedly threatened.
Source: BELGA
Today at 1:00 PM
There was a commotion in Izegem, West Flanders, on Saturday, because the winner of the elections of October 13, STiP+, announced that it would be working with Vlaams Belang for the next six years. Kurt Grymonprez, a former socialist, would become mayor. He said he no longer saw any other choice than to collaborate with the far right after the local CD&V had joined N-VA. After Ranst, Izegem became the second Flemish municipality where the cordon sanitary was broken.
READ ALSO. Still no coalition with Vlaams Belang in Izegem: local party drops out “after threats”
But the covenant does not last. Several STiP+ elected officials were reportedly threatened and intimidated and refused to sign the nomination document. STiP+ then had to leave the right of initiative to the N-VA of outgoing mayor Bert Maertens.
The Izegem Vlaams Belang department is now filing a complaint against unknown persons due to “intimidation and threats of physical violence against members of the local party STiP+-toe”, the party announced in a press release on Tuesday. “What has happened here is the result of incitement towards Vlaams Belang,” says Sam Weyts, who would become an alderman in Izegem for the far-right party. “Not only should this be strongly condemned by all those who despise democracy, but there should also be an investigation into the intimidation that is taking place.”
On Wednesday, Vlaams Belang is organizing a protest in Izegem.
READ ALSO. Vlaams Belang is not in power in Izegem after all, but another coalition no longer seems possible due to new rules
