Belgium’s justice minister, Vincent Van Quickenborne, has faced scrutiny and backlash after guests at his birthday party were caught on CCTV urinating on a parked police van. The incident, dubbed “Pipigate” by local media, has sparked outrage among opposition politicians and police unions. Van Quickenborne appeared before parliament to apologize for the scandal and deny any involvement or knowledge of the incident. However, his explanation and defense have been met with skepticism and condemnation.
The controversy began when police surveillance footage showed three guests leaving the minister’s party and urinating against the police vehicle, which is believed to belong to the officers assigned to Van Quickenborne’s protection detail. Some media reports suggested that the minister was seen on another piece of footage, laughing and mimicking a man urinating while looking at his phone. Van Quickenborne vehemently denied these claims and released his own domestic security camera footage, which he argued showed him escorting a friend out of his home after the accused had already left.
During his appearance before the Belgian parliament’s Justice Committee, Van Quickenborne addressed the seriousness of the incident and expressed his shame over the behavior of the guests he had invited. He emphasized that he did not condone or engage in such disrespectful actions and claimed that he was merely performing an “air guitar solo” instead of mimicking urination.
However, opposition politicians and police unions have condemned Van Quickenborne’s behavior and questioned his version of events. The mayor of Aalst, East Flanders, criticized the minister for ridiculing the police and showing a lack of respect. The NSPV police union released a scathing statement, stating that Van Quickenborne was unfit to hold the position of a justice minister. The public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the incident.
The scandal has further tarnished the minister’s reputation, as he and his family have already been under police protection since a failed kidnapping attempt last year. The controversy raises doubts about Van Quickenborne’s ability to effectively serve as a minister of justice and has drawn attention to his judgment and integrity. Opposition politicians are pushing for further consequences and accountability, while the public is left questioning the credibility and trustworthiness of their justice system.
