While the somewhat sentimental singer Angèle sings “Brussels, I love you”, the political landscape of the Belgian capital transforms entirely…
The rise of Fouad Ahidar, a former Flemish socialist, on the political and media stage could represent a significant turning point in Belgian politics. In the recent elections held in June, his party secured three seats for Brussels MPs (along with one seat in the Flemish Parliament) following a campaign tailored to the Arab-Muslim community. This individual, currently facing complaints for labeling Jews as “psychopaths” and referring to the events of October 7 as a “minor response from a segment of Hamas,” has become the new representative of community voting. Over time, he could attract an increasing share of votes in a capital where various forms of Islamo-leftism, now more united than ever by events in the Middle East, coexist.
Disturbing Context
To understand Brussels’s context, it is important to note that, more than in other places, anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel frequently serve as a disguise for much deeper issues. A recent survey clearly illustrated the resurgence of anti-Semitism in the Belgian capital, revealing that 22% of “Brussels residents” expressed aversion toward Jews; 41% believed they control finance, and 40% thought they dominate the media—despite the media generally exhibiting a favorable stance toward the Palestinian cause, as evidenced by the Flemish public channel’s boycott of the Israeli singer at Eurovision.
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As a symbol of this troubling reality, Israeli professor Elie Barnavi, a proponent of establishing a Palestinian state and not typically associated with right-wing political sympathies, was barred from giving a lecture at the Free University of Brussels shortly before the Christmas truce. Despite being an ally of the Palestinian cause, he was declared persona non grata because of his nationality and background, which epitomizes racism. If it weren’t for a few LGBT flags scattered around, one might conclude that the ULB campus had transformed into a mini-Gaza Strip over the past several weeks: Palestinian flags adorned the windows of buildings damaged by activists; the keffiyeh was worn prominently; slogans, even the most repugnant, were echoed like student chants of yesteryear; the term “genocide” was more frequently employed than “freeing the hostages”; violence loomed, culminating in the assault of two students displaying the Israeli flag; the rectorate terminated research agreements with Israeli universities, while some professors lined up to declare their support for “the cause,” with some announcing intentions for a “proctoring strike” during exams (“students, cheat, it’s for a good cause!”).
The Struggle of Race Over Class
It is therefore unsurprising that Islamo-leftism is increasingly evolving into left-wing Islamism; in other words, the class struggle has taken a backseat to religious identity. Brussels was the first to elect a veiled woman to the European Parliament fifteen years ago: Mahinur Özdemir, a representative of the Humanist Democratic Centre (now Les Engagé-es), who was once touted as a symbol of vibrant diversity, has since been removed from political life due to her refusal to acknowledge the Armenian genocide and has aligned herself with the Turkish government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Simultaneously, the Turkish Grey Wolves had begun infiltrating party lists, with some deputies advocating for the release of Osama Attar, who would later orchestrate the Paris attacks.
Mahinur Ozdemir, in 2006, in Brussels © CLAVIERES VIRGINIE/SIPA Report number: 00581309_000003
Meanwhile, new figures continue to emerge in increasing numbers. Notably, Ridouane Chahid, the socialist mayor of Evere, one of Brussels’ nineteen municipalities, proudly displays a Tabaâ (a mark of religious diligence) and hoisted a Palestinian flag on the town hall’s pediment. However, this has since changed; the former co-president of Ecolo retained her position after sharing a nursery rhyme on her social media that called for “killing the sons of Zion,” but was recently pushed out due to the poor performance of her political party, which suffered from various issues including erratic woke policies and ineffective mobility strategies.
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Complacency
Other elected officials do not appear overly concerned and instead seem content to play the role of unwitting accomplices. For example, environmentalist Alain Maron, in a surreal interview, unabashedly claimed, “Islam promotes equality between men and women and the right to abortion.” What about Défi, an openly secular party that, in order to remain in the previous government, overlooked a hijab controversy within a public company? All these figures are currently trying to establish a Brussels regional government, and amidst the stalemate, rumors suggest that the Flemish socialists may seek to incorporate Fouad Ahidar’s party. He understands that time, both in the short term and long term, is on his side. Regardless, he has already announced his intention to run lists in the local elections scheduled for October. It remains to be seen whether they will follow the path of the short-lived Islam Party, which aimed to impose Sharia law in Belgium, or that of their counterparts in the United Kingdom, who are beginning to overshadow Labour. Whatever the outcome, the “system” parties may end up regretting their long-time strategy of engaging with community politics that is now slipping from their grasp.
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Brussels’ Political Shift: The Rise of Fouad Ahidar and the Emergence of Islamo-Leftism
Political Climate in Brussels: A Changing Landscape
In recent years, the political landscape of Brussels has witnessed significant transformations, with the emergence of notable figures like Fouad Ahidar reshaping the narrative. As a former Flemish socialist who has turned to represent the Arab-Muslim community, Ahidar’s rise can be viewed as a potential turning point for Belgian politics. Following the recent elections in June, his party successful in securing three MPs in Brussels, bolstering his influence and highlighting the shifting allegiances within the city’s diverse electorate.
The Context of Anti-Zionism and Rising Anti-Semitism
Brussels stands as a complex backdrop where political ideologies intertwine with communal sentiments. The rise of anti-Zionism often serves as a cover for more profound societal issues, particularly concerning anti-Semitism. A recent survey revealed alarming statistics, noting that 22% of Brussels residents harbored negative sentiments towards Jewish individuals. Moreover, 41% believed that Jews control financial sectors, while 40% thought they dominated the media landscape. Such perceptions exist alongside the media’s often sympathetic portrayal of the Palestinian cause, revealing the nuanced and often troubling dynamics at play.
Academic Opposition: A Case Study
The academic environment is not exempt from these tensions. The case of Israeli professor Elie Barnavi illustrates the potential hazards faced by scholars who engage in politically sensitive topics. Barnavi, an advocate for a Palestinian state, was barred from delivering a lecture at the Free University of Brussels, solely based on his nationality. Such incidents spark concerns about academic freedom and raise questions about the underlying currents of racism and exclusion that permeate within Brussels’ academic institutions.
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Islamo-Leftism: A Shift in Political Ideology
The interplay between Islamism and leftist ideologies is increasingly apparent in Brussels, where traditional class struggles seem to cede space to religious affirmations. Fifteen years ago, the election of Mahinur Özdemir, a veiled woman, to the European Parliament symbolized a perceived progressive diversity within Belgian politics. However, her subsequent exclusion, attributed to her denouncement of the Armenian genocide, highlights the complexities and contradictions embedded in the political landscape.
Current Political Figures on the Rise
Among the notable figures sprouting within this shifting paradigm is Ridouane Chahid, the young socialist mayor of Evere, who made headlines by raising a Palestinian flag above his town hall. Conversely, a former co-president of the environmentalist Ecolo party faced criticism for echoing calls for violence against Jews, illuminating the dangers of radical rhetoric permeating modern political discourse.
The Role of Elected Officials: A Complicated Dance
Elected officials within Brussels display a spectrum of reactions toward growing Islamo-leftist sentiments. Figures like Alain Maron, known for his environmentalist ideals, have faced scrutiny for simplistic narratives that equate Islam with equality and progressive values. Meanwhile, secular parties like Défi have faced backlash for their complicity in controversial matters, including the hijab issue in public institutions.
The Drive Towards Integration
As political parties vie for control in the Brussels regional government, whispers of integrating Ahidar’s party into the Flemish socialists’ ranks have surfaced. This precarious balancing act reveals a need for a deeper understanding of community-driven politics, where traditional alignments may become increasingly tenuous. The October local elections will serve as a crucial battlefield, illustrating whether Ahidar’s party can replicate the successes of previous radical movements or seize on the political momentum to redefine community relations.
Case Studies: The Impact of Community Politics
| Political Figure | Affiliation | Notable Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fouad Ahidar | Former Flemish Socialist | Campaigned within Arab-Muslim Community |
| Mahinur Özdemir | Humanist Democratic Centre (now Les Engagé-es) | First veiled woman in European Parliament |
| Ridouane Chahid | Socialist Mayor of Evere | Hoisted Palestinian Flag at Town Hall |
| Alain Maron | Environmentalist | Defended simplistic narrative on Islam |
Understanding Community Sentiments and Future Directions
The growing community sentiments in Brussels present both opportunities and challenges for traditional political parties. As the Islamic and leftist intersections continue to develop, the ability of these parties to navigate the complexities of identity, class struggle, and religious sentiment will be put to the test. The approach taken by these parties may ultimately determine their longevity and relevance in the ever-shifting Brussels political arena.
Call to Action: Engaging with the Community
Political engagement in Brussels necessitates a proactive approach to community relations. Understanding the nuanced perspectives of diverse populations and fostering open dialogue can create a more cohesive environment. As October’s local elections loom, it is imperative for political actors to address community concerns thoughtfully and strategically, lest they lose ground to rising movements that capitalize on existing divisions.
Also read: Sophia Chikirou, the “martyr” of Hamas and the fall of the Mélenchon house
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