Arrests of 7 far-right individuals for electoral fraud

Seven people close to the far-right mayor Guy D'haeseleer (Forza Ninove), including his daughter-in-law, were detained by Belgian police on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. They will be questioned as part of an investigation into electoral fraud. The victory of Guy D'haeseleer at the end of 2024, who is currently unable to serve and has been replaced due to health reasons, caused shockwaves in Flanders and Belgium. He's a member of Vlaams Belang, a particularly hardline far-right and nationalist party. His election marked the first time since the Second World War that such a political movement has held the mayor's office. His programme notably includes the desire to prevent French-speakers from settling in Ninove.

Forgery

On the night of the 13 October 2024 elections, an investigation was launched into electoral fraud involving forged proxy votes and medical certificates. Nevertheless, Guy D'haeseleer was able to take the oath of office. The public prosecutor's office is, however, continuing its investigation and has seized all proxy documents for analysis. The arrest* of individuals from the mayor's inner circle has therefore reignited suspicions. They will be required, among other things, to explain a leaflet encouraging voters to contact them if they wanted to vote by proxy, which stated: "Can't go and vote? Entrust your vote to Forza Ninove." Illegally obtaining proxies is punishable by criminal sanctions: from 8 days to a month in prison and/or fines.

* The seven people arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source: VRT Nieuws – Picture: © picture alliance / AA | Dursun Aydemir)