Brussels, Belgium – September 8, 2025
“Dear Europeans, If You Don’t Like Islamization, Please Leave,” says Brussels Interim Mayor. A firestorm of controversy has erupted in Brussels after Saliha Raïss, the interim mayor and socialist councilor for the Molenbeek municipality, reportedly told a municipal council meeting that if Europeans are disturbed by the sight of veiled women, they should “leave.” The comment, which has been widely circulated, has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and commentators who view it as an incendiary and divisive statement that challenges the city’s multicultural fabric.
Headline Points:
* Provocative Statement: Interim Mayor Saliha Raïss reportedly told a council meeting that if the “veil disturbs” people, they should “leave,” in a statement framed as a response to concerns over “Islamization.”
* Molenbeek’s History: The comments are particularly sensitive given Molenbeek’s history as a hub for both a large immigrant population and, in some cases, radical elements, making it a focal point for debates on integration.
* Political Fallout: The statement has been condemned by political figures and commentators who argue it is a direct assault on European values and a form of “political Islamism.”
* Debate Over Integration: The incident has reignited the long-running debate over immigration, multiculturalism, and the challenges of integrating diverse communities in major European cities.
* Organized Opposition: A political organization has stated its intention to take legal action against the interim mayor, accusing her of promoting “a culture of confrontation and exclusion.”
The comments, which have been reported by several outlets and cited by think tanks, have placed the spotlight squarely on Molenbeek, a Brussels neighborhood that has often been at the center of Europe’s debates on immigration and security. The area is home to a large and vibrant Muslim community, but it has also gained a negative reputation for being linked to several high-profile terrorist attacks in recent years. The interim mayor’s statement has therefore struck a particularly raw nerve, with critics arguing that it further polarizes a community already dealing with complex social issues.
According to reports, Raïss repeated her invitation for those who do not accept what she refers to as “Islamization” to “leave.” The remarks are being seen by some as a direct challenge to the idea of a shared, secular public space and a provocative endorsement of a singular cultural identity over a diverse one. The backlash has been swift and severe, with political opponents accusing her of not representing all citizens.
The incident is likely to have significant political ramifications, not just in Brussels but across Europe. It highlights the growing tension between national and local governments on matters of immigration and identity. The rhetoric used by the interim mayor is likely to be seized upon by populist and anti-immigration parties who will use it as evidence of what they claim is the failure of multiculturalism and the threat of political Islam.
Meanwhile, supporters of the interim mayor’s comments might argue that she is simply standing up for her community and pushing back against what they see as a form of cultural intolerance. They may view her statement as a defense of the right of Muslim women to wear the hijab without being subjected to criticism or calls for their exclusion. Regardless of the intent, the statement has succeeded in bringing the deep-seated divisions within European society to the surface, setting the stage for a more intense and confrontational debate in the months ahead.
