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🇧🇪 Belgium /Elections & Politics

Belgian minister regrets 'politicization' of Marcinelle memorial after Meloni's anger

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot regrets that a commemoration of the Marcinelle mining disaster became a political platform at times.
  • Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sharply criticized a protest by union members who turned their backs on a message from the Italian president.
  • Prévot stated that while he does not comment on the unions' actions, the event should have been solely for remembrance, not political statements.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot expressed regret that the commemoration of the Marcinelle mining disaster was marred by political demonstrations. His office stated that moments meant for remembrance and reflection were turned into a political platform, which was "unfortunate given the nature and solemnity of the commemoration."

a moment that should have been primarily about remembrance and reflection became, at times, a political platform.

— Maxime PrévotBelgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot's office commenting on the politicization of the Marcinelle mining disaster commemoration.

The controversy erupted when union members turned their backs during the reading of a message from Italian President Sergio Mattarella. This protest was aimed at the presence of Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa, a member of the far-right Fratelli d'Italia party, which is also led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Meloni reacted angrily on social media, calling the protest "a serious and shameful gesture." Prévot, however, refrained from commenting on the unions' specific actions. Instead, he emphasized that La Russa, as the second-highest official in Italy, represented the Italian state. Prévot stressed that respect for the office and the institutions represented is separate from political disagreements.

a serious and shameful gesture.

— Giorgia MeloniItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's reaction on social media to the protest during the commemoration.

According to Prévot's office, Italy has not filed an official protest. While some "annoyance was noticeable" on the Italian side, including La Russa appearing displeased with the timing of a flower ceremony, the Belgian minister maintained that the event's solemnity was compromised by the politicization. He noted that speeches also contributed to the event becoming a political stage.

Respect for their function and for the institutions they represent is separate from political differences.

— Maxime PrévotBelgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot's office explaining the importance of respecting state representatives regardless of political views.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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