The Belgian legal system is under severe strain, with a top judge warning that the underfunding of the judiciary is exacerbating drug-fueled violence and corruption. Bart Willocx, the first president of the Antwerp Court of Appeal, issued a stark call to action, urging Prime Minister Bart De Wever to address the critical funding gap that has plagued the Belgian justice system for decades. Willocx emphasized the dire consequences of inaction, stating that without adequate funding, the system will fail to serve the needs of ordinary citizens, leading to a breakdown of law and order.
The situation is particularly dire in Antwerp, where the bustling Port acts as a gateway for illegal narcotics, particularly cocaine from Latin America. This has resulted in turf wars spilling onto the streets, with shootings and bombings occurring in both Antwerp and Brussels. Willocx highlighted the corruption of officials, including port workers, police, and customs agents, by drug gangs, and argued that addressing this societal issue requires investment in overcrowded prisons and social rehabilitation programs.
The judicial system's employees have been campaigning for months to bring attention to these issues, recently publishing a list of 100 proposals for improvement. Willocx stressed the importance of the judiciary's role in serving society and the potential risks if the situation remains unchanged. He emphasized that the magistrates' primary motivation is not personal gain or power but to drive positive change and ensure the safety of ordinary citizens.
However, De Wever's office has not yet responded to the judge's criticism, and the prime minister is currently embroiled in tense negotiations with coalition partners over a new budget to address Belgium's strained finances. With a deadline of November 6th looming, De Wever has threatened to quit if no agreement is reached, as Belgium is one of four eurozone countries that missed the European Commission's budget deadline.
