Belgian Official Resigns After Hot Mic Captures Xenophobic Remark

"All foreigners out," the president of the Grimbergen municipal council said as her microphone was still on, reports Het Laatste Nieuws. "It was a silent objection that Martine made for herself and was not addressed to anyone," Chantal Lauwers, president of Vernieuwing ("renewal"), tried to explain, adding that "some councilors may have heard this statement, because her microphone was still on".

"My apologies, it’s regrettable that the microphone was left on," Martine De Coppel reacted. "I’m glad it was left on. Now we know what you think of Strombeek," commented Eddy Boelens (Groen). "We are filled with horror. It’s downright racist. We hope you will keep your honor for yourself, because we can no longer work together. No longer as alderman, president and municipality," declared Gerlant Van Berlaer (sp.a).

Faced with the controversy, the president of the Grimbergen municipal council resigned from her position. "Immediately after the session, in the group meeting, (Martine De Coppel) presented her resignation as president and we accepted it," Chantal Lauwers said. However, she wishes to remain a member of the council.