Flemish ecologist party Groen that sits on the opposition benches is demanding that Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken ( Flemish nationalist N-VA) comes to the Federal Parliament to explain his role in the fast-track emergency procedure to approve 50 million euros’ worth of defence purchases.
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‘Defence minister must come to Parliament to explain his actions’ Flemish greens demand
Colin Clapson
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Groen is responding to a broadcast by VRT current affairs flagship Pano on the drone crisis in Belgium in October and November of 2025 and the federal government’s response. Pano’s investigation reveals that there is still no evidence of hostile drones over Belgium.
Nevertheless, Defence Minister Francken accused Russia and the Ministry of Defence – fast-tracking the order – spent millions on drone detection.
‘This affair really stinks and reeks of cronyism. It must be investigated to the very bottom. Francken refused to cooperate with the Pano report, but at other times he is constantly in the press. That speaks volumes,’ says Staf Aerts, Member of Parliament for Groen and Chair of the Military Procurement Committee in the Chamber of Representatives.
Coalition partner Flemish Christian democrat CD&V also critical
It’s not only the opposition that is voicing concerns following the Pano broadcast. “This causes frustration at a time of budgetary shortfalls. Every day the Prime Minister says that the money has run out. This means that defence spending must also be carried out in a sensible manner” says Koen Van den Heuvel, spokesperson for Flemish Christian democrat CD&V.
The CD&V is part of PM De Wever’s 5-way coalition government. Van den Heuvel is urgently seeking an explanation from Francken. He is particularly concerned about the circulation of a video showing what was believed to be a drone, which later turned out to be a helicopter. Francken is said to have personally supplied that video to media outlet HLN.
“In times of unrest, ministers must call for calm, not cause further unrest,” says Van den Heuvel.
What this means for Francken's ministerial career is not yet clear to the CD&V politician. “We are awaiting his explanation and then we will see how things proceed.”
Flemish socialist Vooruit MP demands that Francken provide ‘complete transparency’
Axel Weydts MP of government party Flemish socialist Vooruit too wants greater clarity shed on the whole matter. ‘The Defence Minister refused to speak to Pano, so we are putting those questions to him again in a plenary session of parliament today. Because everyone knows the budget is in a dire state. That is why this government is asking everyone to make an effort. But if every euro has to be spent sparingly, then that certainly applies to defence as well.’
"Investing in our security is necessary, but it must be done in a fair, proper and transparent manner. There are still a great many questions to be asked here: did the Minister himself circulate a video of a helicopter in order to emphasise the urgency? Was too much paid (for the anti-drone equipment)? And are all these millions being spent correctly? So let me be clear straight away: this does not stop here. We will pursue this further in the Defence Select Committee. I expect the minister to provide absolute transparency."