Zuhal Demir Again Accuses Turks and Muslims in Belgium

Belgium’s Flemish Region Employment Minister Zuhal Demir sparked fresh controversy by accusing Turkey of abusing ‘green passports’ to send pro-Erdoğan imams, directly targeting Turkish and Muslim communities in the country. Demir’s comments once again thrust questions about the position and treatment of these minorities into the national spotlight, raising concerns about polarization.

Although not ethnically Flemish herself, Demir has placed Flemish nationalism at the heart of her politics and is openly criticized for using Islamophobia as a tool to appeal to voters. She is widely known for her tough rhetoric against immigrants and Muslims, with critics arguing that such statements undermine Belgium’s multicultural character and inclusivity.

Demir’s divisive comments drew widespread backlash in the multicultural nation, with civil society groups and several politicians pointing out the similarities between her words and the far-right rhetoric rising in Europe. They warn that such discourse poses risks to social harmony and coexistence. Observers emphasize that Demir’s remarks not only single out the Turkish community but also challenge Belgium’s tradition of living together peacefully, and the debate continues to dominate the country’s political and social agenda.