The National Conservatism conference in Brussels, featuring speakers like Viktor Orban and Nigel Farage, overcomes legal challenges to proceed amid protests and debates over free speech and political ideology.
An international conference titled National Conservatism (NatCon) in Brussels faced legal and protest challenges but resumed after intervention by Belgium’s top court. The event drew prominent right-wing figures including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and former UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage. French right-wing politician Eric Zemmour was denied entry by police due to potential disruptions by anti-fascist groups.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized the initial police shutdown, defending the principles of free speech and condemning the interruption of the event. The Belgian Supreme Administrative Court overturned a ban implemented by local authorities, who had cited public safety concerns, allowing the conference to continue. Advocacy group ADF International had challenged the shutdown, citing it as a suppression of free expression.
The controversy surrounding the NatCon conference, which addresses issues such as faith, family, and borders, emphasizes ongoing debates about free speech and political ideologies in Europe. The conference precedes upcoming European elections, highlighting shifting dynamics and concerns about political extremism.
