In Ninove last night, former Flemish socialist leader Conner Rousseau had to halt a campaign meeting early following an incident. Mr Rousseau, who is one of the most prominent candidates in the East Flanders constituency, says he was threatened and the police "could no longer guarantee his safety". Mr Rousseau stressed that he will "continue to fight against extremes and for freedom", even if he faces threats.
Former socialist leader Conner Rousseau halts campaign event after police "can no longer guarantee his safety" (VIDEO)
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Conner Rousseau (Flemish socialist/Vooruit) was in the East Flemish town of Ninove to talk to residents and listen to their concerns. Outside the café where his meeting took place, a number of people reportedly made physical threats against him. As the police could no longer guarantee his safety, it was decided to conclude the evening an hour and a half earlier than planned.
Ninove mayor Tania De Jonge (Flemish liberal/Open VLD) confirmed what had happened: "At the café, there were a number of passers-by who used quite coarse language and shouted at the café. The police were called, but when they arrived at the scene, the hecklers appeared to have already started walking away. It was then decided to end the event earlier and Mr Rousseau was escorted to his car by the police."
A short video shows Mr Rousseau saying goodbye to the crowd first. "The fact that I have to wind up here now shows that there is still a lot of work to be done, also in Ninove. I regret that I have to leave you earlier, but we are going home with a positive feeling," he said.
After the speech, Mr Rousseau left the café to loud applause. The ‘listening evening’ in Ninove was the last stop on a tour of East Flanders, which Mr Rousseau started 2 months ago when he announced his return to frontline politics.
Rousseau: ‘Just a nasty moment’
On social media, Mr Rousseau posted: "It was a nasty moment… There were some troublemakers at the door. I heard from witnesses that they made threats. According to the hecklers, Ninove is a black bulwark, not a red one, and I have no business there."
Red is the colour of the socialist party, while in Flanders black is a colour that is sometimes associated with the far right Vlaams Belang.
Mr Rousseau intends to return to Ninove tonight to continue his 'listening evening' event.