After weeks and weeks of negotiations, both the 5 stars and the Lega recently formed an ‘anti-establishment government’ in Italy. The Lega, which is clearly a Euroskeptical and anti-migration political party, is determined to limit the entrance of refugees and migrants to Italy.

Last week’s example of the rescue ship Aquarius, which was refused to access the Italian coasts, definitely sent a signal to the whole Europe. And although this decision was criticised by many political stakeholders across the Old Continent, dozens of populists expressed their support to the Italian authorities.

Since Theo Francken has been part of the Belgian Federal government, he has been involved in several very controversial speeches and statements with regard to migration and refugees. Even some of the N-VA leaders and members of the Federal governments have expressed their concerns about his stances.

The recent interviews and statements Mr. Francken made in the Italian newspapers are therefore not really a surprise.

On 5 June, he firstly gave his support to the newly formed Italian government in the Italian version of Huffington Post. After he stated he was following Matteo Salvini, the Italian minister for Home affairs and leader of the Lega, “for months”, he added he wanted the Italian government to “strengthen the migration policy”. “It’s good if Italy starts refusing migrants on their coasts, and does not let them enter Sicily”, he said.

He went further last week in Il Giornale, by advocating for “refugee camps in North Africa”, with reference to the Italian decision on Aquarius. “We must start sending back the boats that cross the Mediterranean Sea”, he added, before pointing out human traffics and mafia networks with that regard.

Whether you agree or disagree with the pro-migration or anti-migration policies, such statements are quite concerning ahead of the upcoming European elections next year. Populism is rising across Europe, and the populist leaders now can collaborate on specific policies.

And even if the newly formed Spanish government finally decided to host the Aquarius last week, some of the European reactions clearly showed a support to anti-human behaviours. The French government, instead of welcoming the boat, indeed pointed out the Italian responsibility, while Charles Michel, the Belgian Prime Minister, had a controversial joke on it. “Belgium has no port in the Mediterranean Sea”, he said.

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Theo Francken’s office was evacuated. He is now at the official residence of the Prime Minister.

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The article starts with the following statement:

« The official, Theo Francken, is a 39-year-old Flemish nationalist who in 2014 was appointed secretary of state for asylum and migration. He is known for making incendiary comments about migrants; in September, he apologized for using the term “cleaning up” about a police operation in which several undocumented immigrants were arrested. The term was condemned as xenophobic.

Supporters and critics alike have called Mr. Francken “the Flemish Trump.”

Full article here

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 « We thought there would be more people », said a Theo Francken supporter to Le Soir.  « We may have done this too quickly, between Christmas holidays … » said another demonstrator. Not more than 30 protestors appeared today.

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“The bill has to be paid”, Mr. Francken said on Friday. He also suggested that Prince Laurent should complain to the Interfederal centre for equal opportunities (Unia), in case he would disagree with the future decision.

Following this statement a letter was sent to Charles Michel by Laurent Arnauts, Prince Laurent’s lawyer. Mr Arnauts recommends that the financial sanction should not reach 10-15% out of EUR 308,000, as Prince Laurent’s net salary is actually much lower.

Charles Michel’s office replied, saying that legal services are currently on the file. It will then be presented at the Ministers council, to decide whether a financial sanction is an adequate option.

Belgian Prime Minister called for a “proportional sanction” last summer. Under the Belgian constitutional law, the Prince has to require the permission of the Federal Minister for Foreign affairs in order to attend a diplomatic meeting.

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