“Freedom convoys”: demonstrators take the direction of Brussels… and others go to Strasbourg

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“The program is gradually going to see all the European institutions (…), we don’t know how far we’re going to go but we’re making our way and making our voices heard“, explained Sandrine, a 45-year-old production manager from Lyon.

Demonstration prohibited in Brussels in order to prevent any blockage

The Belgian authorities have banned all demonstrations in the capital “with motor vehicles“and announced that it had taken measures”to prevent the blocking of the Brussels-Capital region“.

The Brussels police have posted instructions in four languages ​​on social networks – French, Dutch, German and English: ban on demonstrating with vehicles, advice not to travel to Brussels by car, channeling of convoys in a parking lot from the fairgrounds, on the outskirts of the city, “only place where static action will be tolerated“.

Participants from The Hague

Some participants in a similar demonstration organized in The Hague also announced their intention to travel to Belgium. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo had however advised the demonstrators on Friday to give up coming to Brussels.

“I say to those who come from abroad: look at the rules in Belgium. We’ve never had rules that were too hard and we don’t have that many anymore. So complain at home“, he launched.

Checks are planned at the border and vehicles coming to the capital despite the ban will be diverted, warned the Belgian authorities.

Some of the demonstrators take the direction of Strasbourg

However, as reported France Blue Strasbourgsome of the participants in the “freedom convoys” is finally on its way to Strasbourg and the European Parliament, this Monday, February 14, given the ban on demonstrations in Brussels, but also because MEPs are present this week in Strasbourg.

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