The practice has been the subject of legal action by animal rights organisation Gaia, which lost its attempt to ban the event on appeal. However, recent changes to the municipal law mean cafes can no longer sell the visjesdronk, or fish drink. The privilege is now reserved for members of the council and aldermen.

De Padt, who took over as interior minister in December from Patrick Dewael, has a long history of taking part in the event, going back to when he was first mayor, then chairman of the local social aid agency. “It is animal abuse to swallow fish whole,” said Gaia chairman Michel Vandenbosch. “The courts have already recognised the fact but allowed local politicians to go on doing it. Unbelievable.”

Groen! party chair Mieke Vogels added: “This is typical. [De Padt] is obviously doing this to provoke a reaction. “

“As a member of the council I have the right to do this,” De Padt responded. “The judge said so. Let the animal rights people protest. That’s their job.”