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Belgian cultural figures protest new, two-tier virus measures

by ASSOCIATED PRESS

Brussels, BELGIUM Dec 27, 2021 - 9:09 am GMT+3
A man holds a sign that reads "The show must go on" as he protests with other artists during a demonstration in Brussels on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021.(AP)
A man holds a sign that reads "The show must go on" as he protests with other artists during a demonstration in Brussels on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021.(AP)
by ASSOCIATED PRESS Dec 27, 2021 9:09 am
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Belgian culture and art sector members gathered in Brussels Sunday to decry the government's decision to shut down cultural life to halt the spread of the omicron variant while many other activities are allowed to continue in the country.

Waving posters reading "The show must go on" or "No culture, no future,” the crowd demonstrated peacefully despite the pouring rain, accusing the government of unfairly targeting the culture industry with the new virus restrictions.

A woman holds a banner reading 'No Culture, No Future' during a demonstration against the Belgian government's restrictions imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 26, 2021. REUTERS/Johanna Geron
A woman holds a banner reading "No Culture, No Future" during a demonstration against the Belgian government's restrictions imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 26, 2021. REUTERS/Johanna Geron

Under the measures, which took effect Sunday, events like Christmas markets are allowed to continue, despite their boisterous, chaotic gluhwein (mulled wine) parties, and restaurants and bars are allowed to stay open with some new restrictions.

Even the scientific committee advising the Belgian government had not asked for the culture industry closures, leaving virologist Marc Van Ranst to ponder that in Belgium "gluhwein beat culture.”

Scores of movie theaters and other venues disregarded the closure order, according to state broadcaster RTBF.

Belgian cultural sector workers protest against the Belgian government's restrictions imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 26, 2021. (REUTERS)
A boy holds a sign that reads "Give us Theatre, culture haters" as he protests with other artists during a demonstration in Brussels on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. (AP)

A brass band accompanied Sunday's demonstration at the Mont des Arts in Brussels, the symbolic spot that spawned Belgian independence in 1830, and prominent cultural figures took to the stage to air their grievances. Organizers urged participants to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Authorities estimated 5,000 people took part and it ended peacefully.

Under the new rules, indoor public activities are strictly limited, shopping is curtailed and sports fans won’t be allowed into stadiums and indoor venues. The Belgian government shied away, however, from a full lockdown like that imposed in the neighboring Netherlands for the holiday season.

A dog wears a sign that reads 'Grrr' as it stands with a protestor during a demonstration in Brussels on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. (AP)
A dog wears a sign that reads "Grrr" as it stands with a protestor during a demonstration in Brussels on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. (AP)

After almost two years of forced closures and limited openings, the culture sector had hoped its efforts, including special air quality meters in halls, separated seats and limited visitor capacities, would allow it to escape the brunt of the virus restrictions.

The Belgian measures come despite a steady decline in COVID-19 hospital admissions in recent weeks. The government said the fast transmission of the omicron variant made it necessary to take preventive measures.

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