Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Interior Minister Bernard Quintin urges stricter police measures and OSINT after Brussels’ October 14 protest, involving thousands; MPs Maouane, De Vreese, and Francken react, 5 arrested for violence.
As GVA News reported, Interior Minister Bernard Quintin has asked the police to consider stronger measures for upcoming demonstrations. The call comes after last week’s national day of action in Brussels, which led to serious damage in the city. Protesters caused destruction to several buildings, including the Immigration Office.
Quintin spoke about the events in Parliament on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025. He said the police must keep public order while respecting the law. He also stressed the need to plan carefully and monitor demonstrations closely to prevent further damage and protect citizens and property.
“Vandalism is a euphemism for this violence. These are not ordinary protesters; these are people committing criminal acts under the extreme left,“
denounced Maaike De Vreese (N-VA).
“This violence is absolutely unacceptable. We must have the courage to discuss the means we use for this and the legal framework required.”
What Steps Are Quintin and the Police Taking After Brussels’ October 14 Protest?
The question of “less-lethal” weapons was also discussed. Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) suggested using tools like the FN303 to control rioters. Quintin said such weapons should only be used in self-defence, when someone’s safety is directly at risk. He added that any stronger police measures must be controlled and proportionate.
“Belgium is not the Wild West,”
Quintin said.
“The aim is to better assess risks, strengthen coordination with organisers and better tailor the deployment of resources to new forms of mobilisation.”
Bernard Quintin
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said the police and the Crisis Centre are reviewing last week’s demonstrations in Brussels to learn the necessary lessons. He wants authorities to improve how they respond to similar events in the future and prevent damage or disorder. Quintin also plans to set up a legal framework for the use of OSINT, or Open Source Intelligence. This allows police to collect and analyse information from publicly available sources.
“For upcoming demonstrations, I’ve asked the police to consider stricter accompanying measures, while respecting the right to demonstrate. The goal is to better assess the risks, strengthen coordination with organisers, and better tailor the deployment of resources to new forms of mobilisation,”
the minister said.
During the parliamentary session, MP Raja Maouane (Ecolo-Groen) questioned Quintin about the police’s actions, noting that officers did not hesitate to use force during the demonstration. The minister replied that, according to reports from the Brussels police, all actions were carried out under the rules of “negotiated management of public space.” Force is applied only when necessary and always within legal limits.
On October 14, 2025, thousands of people marched through Brussels in a national protest against proposed government cuts to pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. The demonstration was organised by Belgium’s 3 main trade unions.
Most participants were peaceful, but a smaller group caused damage, throwing fireworks, paint, and other objects at the Immigration Office on Boulevard Pacheco. Several arrests were made, and 5 people were charged with criminal association and resisting arrest.
