Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Belgian Federal Judicial Police (FGP) in Antwerp faces budget cuts, including stopping staff drinks. Union leader Vincent Housin warns that cuts affect morale, causing officer resignations, risking public safety.
As VRT News reported, the Belgian federal police are dealing with budget cuts in Antwerp. These cuts have been happening for a long time. The cuts are making it harder for the police to do their jobs. They have stopped giving staff coffee, tea, and water.
Now, only visitors will get these drinks. This change has caused problems for the workers. They are not happy about it at all. They feel that their needs are being ignored. The workers see this as a sign of disrespect. They think the money-saving measures have gone too far.
How are budget cuts affecting the federal police in Antwerp?
Vincent Housin works for the police union VSOA. He was very clear about the changes. He said the cuts were “a disgrace”. He said the cuts affect the staff’s feelings. Housin said that saving money on small things shows the police are struggling.
He warned that these choices send a bad message. He said the police might not be a good place to work anymore. This could make it hard to hire and keep officers. It is affecting the police service.
The police want to save money. They have cut back on things like uniforms, water, coffee, and tea. The police union says these cuts are a problem. They show the police don’t care about their workers.
Officials mentioned that, for example, officers are upset about the uniform cuts. They want to look professional but don’t have the support. The union says these cuts are disrespectful. They make it hard for the police to do their jobs well. The police need to be professional and effective.
“The outflow is quite enormous, people move to areas where their well-being is respected.”
Vincent Houssin, VSOA
More and more police officers are quitting. They are going to work for the local police. Local police are better for the workers. New police officers don’t want to work for the federal police. They want a better place to work. Officials mentioned that this is a big problem because the federal police do important work. They fight organised crime and terrorism. They also help other police forces.
They said that if there are fewer officers, the work will be harder. The police union says this is a big deal. The government needs to give the police more money. They need money for supplies and for the officers. If they don’t, the country will be less safe. The police are very important. They protect the country from bad people. The government needs to help the police.
