Brussels:Belgium The Defense and Home Affairs ministries in Belgium are considering the creation of a mobile brigade to enhance security during riots and violent demonstrations.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Defense Minister Theo Francken has described the proposed unit as a "Gendarmerie 2.0" that would operate under the Home Affairs Ministry's authority.

The proposal comes in the wake of recent violent demonstrations across several European cities, including France and Belgium. Over the weekend, clashes erupted, leading to the arrest of 195 people during protests against education policies and budget cuts in Brussels and Liege.

Minister Francken emphasized the need for increased security measures during such riots, highlighting the necessity for additional operational capacity to manage rising violence. The plan includes the Defense Ministry providing military training to officers, who would then be made available to the Home Affairs Ministry.

Francken stressed the importance of having an operational reserve with military training to protect citizens amid extreme violence. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Bart De Wever was informed about the plans.

Home Affairs Minister Bernard Quintin confirmed ongoing discussions, noting that the initiative is intended to extend the existing cooperation between the police and the military. He pointed to current joint efforts, such as securing certain locations and conducting patrols with the railway police, as examples of this collaboration.