No death penalty referendum for Turkish voters in Belgium
The prime minister has said if a threatened referendum on the return of the death penalty is held in Turkey, he would not allow local Turkish people to take part
‘Unacceptable topic’
Speaking on RTBF radio on Sunday, Michel (pictured) said that his government would examine the judicial possibilities for taking action to prevent any referendum being held here. His coalition parties from Flanders – N-VA, Open VLD and CD&V – have already expressed their backing for the ban.
“The death penalty runs counter to the values of our party, of Belgium and of Europe,” CD&V said. “We need to use every legal means possible to make such a referendum impossible in this country.”
That view was also backed by N-VA, via MP Peter De Roover. “It’s not enough to react indignantly. As legislators we also have to provide the instruments to allow us to take concrete measures,” he said.
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has spoken of a referendum on the death penalty on several occasions, although reintroducing it would effectively put an end to any hope of Turkey being admitted to the European Union.
This time, however, he may feel buoyed by his victory in the referendum last week to extend his presidential powers. Turkish people in Belgium voted 75% in favour, the largest majority anywhere in the world apart from Jordan and Lebanon.
Photo courtesy premier.be
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