Politicians and public pay tribute across Belgium
As hundreds of people gather at Beursplein, politicians, transport staff, the king and queen and millions across Belgium observe a minute of silence on Wednesday
Metro driver back on duty
Pope Francis issued a statement yesterday in response to the terrorist attacks at Brussels Airport and Maalbeek station on Tuesday: “I would like once again to call on all men of good will to condemn with one voice these terrible atrocities, which do nothing but bring death, terror and shock”.
Security company Securitas Belgium, meanwhile, has drafted in staff from its branches in the Netherlands and France to help cope with the demand from private companies for extra security following the attacks. The company employs 5,500 people in Belgium.
Hundreds gather on Beursplein
At noon on Wednesday, politicians and members of the public held a minute’s silence in remembrance of the victims of the two attacks. Brussels-City mayor Yvan Mayeur led the tribute on Beursplein in Brussels, where members of the public have been gathering by the hundreds in the hours and days following the attacks.
The tactic of sowing fear in our society has been effective; our freedom has taken a severe blow
The area, now part of Brussels’ pedestrian zone, is covered in flowers, candles, banners and any number of handwritten notes and sidewalk chalk messages of peace and unity.
Members of the Flemish parliament visited the square after their weekly plenary session. “Our thoughts go out to the victims,” said parliament speaker Jan Peumans, addressing the assembly. “The tactic of sowing fear in our society has been effective; our freedom has taken a severe blow. Whether we want it or not, our society will have to adapt. Anyone who does not openly condemn these acts is distancing himself from our democracy.”
Meanwhile, members of the Brussels-Capital Region government joined staff of transport authority MIVB at the depot at Delta, where a similar tribute was organised. Out on the roads, many MIVB drivers pulled over and observed the minute of silence in their vehicles.
Members of the federal government, together with King Filip and Queen Mathilde and EU Commission president Jean-Claude Junker, marked the moment on Schumanplein.
Photo: Sally Tipper
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