Charles Michel receives death threats

Security is to be tightened around the prime minister Charles Michel after he was doused in chips and mayonnaise by militant feminists at a conference of Walloon businessmen and women in Namur. The attack happened during a lunchtime meeting of the Cercle de Wallonie on Monday.

Michel had just started his speech to the gathered business community when four women from the Belgian activist group LilithS broke through the ranks to tip chips and mayonnaise over the prime minister shouting “Michel out, austerity out”. The women had gained entry to the event by enrolling themselves as UCL student journalists interested in federal politics. Michel took the attack in good humour and returned shortly after the attack dressed in a clean shirt to resume his speech.

The attack has raised more serious questions surrounding Michel’s security and saw claims surface that Michel has been subject to death threats since the summer when he became involved in the government’s formation. Some threats relate to his family – his son’s school has been targeted – and others to Belgium’s decision to support international efforts to combat IS.

Although security has already been increased since Michel became prime minister, state security services said yesterday’s attack would prompt a review and a possible upgrade in security measures to protect the prime minister. Michel has allegedly turned down some of those proposed to him already, so as not to make an issue out of it.