Brussels Politician Fouad Ahidar Advocates for Service Neutrality, Addresses Religious Diversity in Public Roles

"The only thing that must be neutral is the service provided to the population. No one is neutral. Our police officers all wear the same uniform, and yet, some act correctly, others don’t. What interests me is the neutrality of the service that must be provided. Veiled female police officers exist in England. It works, it functions, and it doesn’t pose any problem. But one thing must be known: no one is above the law. The law must be respected," Fouad Ahidar responded to the question of whether he is for or against wearing religious symbols in public administration.

The president of the Fouad Ahidar Team says he finds no objection to wearing religious symbols in general. "Those who want to wear the veil can wear it. Those who want to wear the kippah wear the kippah. Those who want to wear a chain with a cross... The most important thing for me is that they are neutral in the service provided," he insisted, however, believing that girls could wear the veil at school "from 16 years old. Not before secondary school."

The politician claims to be "for the separation of State and Church". "Except that the State meddles in everything. It meddles in what you can eat, how you should dress, if you have the right to circumcise. Indeed, there is freedom of worship. Simply, let people work. For us, the State must put safeguards in place to allow people to believe or not believe. As an inclusive party, we defend the right to believe or not believe," said Fouad Ahidar.

On the question of the Muslim Brotherhood, the leader was as clear as can be: "I am Muslim, I have brothers, but I am not a Muslim Brother. I don’t even know exactly what it is. I am a Brussels citizen, a Belgian citizen who works on the themes that Belgians and Brussels residents want. I am an inclusive party that works for all communities. What I want is the well-being of Brussels residents." Reacting to the war in Gaza, Fouad Ahidar specified that he "condemns all forms of antisemitism," calling for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state. "The day we recognize the State of Palestine, things will move forward."