Grand’Place Christmas tree not scrapped, just different

The decision by Brussels’ council to replace the traditional Grand’Place Christmas tree with a deconstructed metal one has triggered one of the capital’s hottest debates. Within hours of the announcement, Brussels councillor Bianca Debaets had scathing words for what she called the “religious motives” behind the decision – in other words, not offending non-Christian faiths. “What next? Banning Easter eggs from the capital because of the link with Easter?” she asked. An online petition calling for the tree to be reinstated, meanwhile, had received just under 13,000 signatures as of last night. The petition calls for a “respect of our values and traditions”. Its instigators see a recurring thread in the council’s decisions, following the withdrawal of pork from state school dinners and the rebranding of the Christmas Market as the Winter Delights. Brussels council says that nothing could be further from the truth and that the decision is an artistic one, aimed at showcasing Brussels’ avant-garde side. “We wanted to show our modernity,” said alderman Philippe Close. “This wood and metal structure will be a star draw in the evening, with sound and light shows, while during the day people will have the opportunity to climb it. All profits from the admissions will be donated to housing charities – because Christmas is also about sharing.”