A speech supported by JF. “We must not let ourselves be defeated, otherwise we will prove them right.” “They will in any case have neither our hatred nor our fear“, assures Sophie, a jeweler from France, saddened by the event and the chill it casts on the other festivities.
“The police are very present”
In Brussels and elsewhere in the country, the markets are following the recommendations of Ocam, for which the terrorist threat is rated at 3 out of 4. Antwerp has announced that it is strengthening its security. For their part, Liège, Charleroi and Brussels already ensure they are implementing sufficient measures. “The various access points to the festivities are secured, in particular by devices preventing vehicles from rushing into the spaces“, the office of the mayor of Liège announced on Saturday.
After the vehicular attack in Germany, several Christmas markets strengthen their security in Belgium
In the aisles of the Brussels market, traders say they are satisfied with the security in the capital. “Honestly, I can only say positive things.” points out Marika, cuberdons seller. “The police are very present, the City is putting in the resources. We see patrols, drones… It’s reassuring“, underlines Peppe, known for his “ball pizzas”. But despite everything, Friday's accident constitutes a “reminder of fear“, which reactivates in the restaurateur the painful memories of the attacks of recent years. “We remember the attacks in Brussels, the soldiers in the streets. We try not to think about it too much“, breathes JF.
These Christmas markets… which are not called “Christmas markets” in Brussels, Mons, Ciney…: here are the reasons given by the municipalities
Tourists, who make up a large part of the Brussels Winter Fun crowd, do not seem concerned. “Nobody talks about it“, noted the traders we met.”People are here to relax, it's the holidays and everyone needs it“, glisse Malek.
