Zuhal Demir’s “pig” analogy on refugees sparked backlash

In an interview with the Knack media organization in Belgium, which has had trouble providing shelter for refugees in recent months, Demir said he finds it problematic that many refugees come to Belgium and the Flemish region.

Demir said: “We are not Germany or Poland. Our facilities are under pressure, from our ability to accept refugees to the increase in the animal population in animal husbandry. It may be a strange analogy, but we can’t have millions of pigs here either. I can’t create additional plots. We cannot do everything in flamenco”. he said he. These words from Demir provoked reactions from Belgian politicians.

SAMMY MAHDI: DISGUSTING

Sammy Mahdi, leader of the Christian and Flemish Democratic Party (CD&V), which is a coalition partner with the conservative nationalist N-VA party to which Demir is affiliated, said he finds the “pig” analogy over refugees “disgusting”.

Mahdi asked: “Was the parable of the pig necessary? I think it’s not just weird, it’s a disgusting analogy.” He said.

Joachim Coens, who was party chairman before Mahdi, also said he found Demir’s analogy “disgusting.”

Green Party Chairman Jeremie Vaneeckhout said: “This is disgusting. The words you use are just as important as what you say.” he used the phrase.

Belgian Labor Party leader Jos D’Haese described Demir’s comments as “shameful”. “This is not a strange situation for Flemish nationalists,” D’Haese said. This is a conscious strategy. It’s disgusting.” He made the assessment of him.

In response to criticism, Demir claimed that a storm raged in a glass of water. Arguing that political parties in the federal government are inadequate to deal with the influx of asylum seekers, Demir stressed that he does not equate refugees with pigs, that the federal government does not treat refugees humanely, so many people have to sleep in the streets. . (AA)