The Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (Flemish Christian democrat) has told VRT News that we should not lose sight of security here at home now so much attention is being given to defence and extra funding being made available for the military.
Belgian Minister of Justice says “Don't lose sight of domestic security policy”
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In addition to what was set out in the coalition agreement, Ms Verlinden is calling for additional funding for her department. She wants an additional 250 million euro per annum to be invested by the end of the legislature. Ms Verlinden says that that she will present her plans to the Federal Cabinet.
“I can see that a lot of investment in defence is being proposed. This is necessary, but it is also my job not to lose sight of homeland security. Not investing in this will have consequences both in the short and long term”, Ms Verlinden told VRT News.
The Justice Minister hopes to end prison overcrowding, something that to an extent contributes to a sense of impunity. Ms Verlinden wants to keep old prisons in operation for longer and also create temporary facilities in an effort to end overcrowding.
“There are also thousands of people currently in prison today, they don't belong there. Many people in our prisons are in the country illegally. I would very much like to work with the other ministers to ensure that we can repatriate more illegal immigrants that are being held in prison in order to free up capacity.’