Last Wednesday, the federal government and the federated entities met for yet another Codeco to decide on possible measures to fight against the spread of the Omicron variant in Belgium. The meeting gave birth to new restrictions for the cultural world, such as the closure of cinemas and theaters.
The announcement of these measures had the effect of a real cold shower for a sector already severely affected by the health crisis. Some cultural venues have therefore decided to defy the ban and keep their doors open, causing a real cacophony.
In an interview with our colleagues from the Echo, the president of the PS Paul Magnette confessed and admitted that the political class had made mistakes during this meeting. “We must have the humility to recognize it: collectively, we messed up during this last Codeco“, he openly confessed.”It is difficult to manage the crisis, the Belgians have respected the instructions, endured social difficulties, restrictions, etc. Despite this, people remain respectful. But we must now recognize that things are cracking on all sides, partly because of the objective situation we are living in, but also because of the mistakes we have made.“, he engaged. And the burgomaster of Charleroi to continue: “There is no shame as a politician in admitting that we make mistakes. Let’s try to understand their origins and see how to correct them.”.
“Avoid going blind”
According to the socialist, a preliminary work should have been carried out by the Minister of Culture Bénédicte Linard (Ecolo) in order not to impose a closure on all cultural places: “We should have established criteria (ventilation, use of the mask, CST, etc.) according to which cultural places could continue to function. The actors should have had the opportunity to get in good standing before receiving certification from the French Community. (…) With certification, we could, in Codeco, have avoided going blind“.