Protesters disrupt conference opening
Protesters interrupted a speech by Prime Minister in Belgium’s caretaker federal government Charles Michel (Francophone liberal) on Tuesday morning. Mr Michel was speaking the international Climate Change and Ocean’s Preservation conference that is being held at the Egmont Palace.
As Mr Michel began his speech four protesters jumped onto a table an unfolded at banner with the inscription “emergency for the climate”.
The conference has been organised by the Federal Minister Philippe De Backer (Flemish liberal) and Marie-Christine Marghem (Francophone liberal). Prince Albert of Monaco is among those attending the conference. The Prince’s Monaco Foundation has been involved in ocean preservation for many years.
The conference was officially opened by Mr Michel. His speech was interrupted no fewer than four times by climate activists. The activists shouted that “It is too late for declarations of good will” and “Declare a climate emergency now”. They had managed to slip into the conference room unnoticed. Which organisation, if any, they belong to is not known.
The conference will continue through Tuesday afternoon. At the end of the day the participants will sign a “Brussels declaration” on ocean conservation and climate change.