Bataille de la Marolle Plaque

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Brussels, a silent sentinel stands, etched in bluestone. The Bataille de la Marolle Plaque whispers tales of a community’s struggle. It’s a testament to the resilience of the Marolliens, who fought fiercely to protect their homes. In June 1969, a chilling decree threatened to dismantle this historic quarter. The government wanted to expand the Palais de Justice, a behemoth that already cast a long shadow over the Marolles. The proposed demolition meant displacement for 1,200 residents, with no guarantee of rehousing. The Marolliens refused to be erased. They launched a campaign of defiance, aptly named the “Bataille de la Marolle.” The streets became a canvas of protest, adorned with banners proclaiming “Non!” Windows displayed defiant slogans like “J’y suis, j’y reste” (I’m here, I’m staying). Black flags and mock funeral shrouds draped the Chapelle de Notre-Dame de Montserrat, symbolizing the potential death of their neighborhood. Led by figures like Philippe Dekeyser and supported by groups like the Amis des Marolles, they flooded the streets with posters, petitions, and press conferences. Their message was clear: “A city is first and foremost its inhabitants, not its buildings.” One particularly evocative image from the time shows a crowd gathered behind a makeshift podium on a truck, their placards held high, a sea of faces united in their cause. The press dubbed the Marolliens “a barrel of gunpowder.” They had “fired the first shots” in a battle that would last three months. August 1969 marked a turning point. Accusations of living in “filthy, ramshackle houses” only fueled their resolve. The Marolliens responded by cleaning, painting, and decorating their homes with flowers. They proudly declared, “We are happy here, and we must show it.” Their unity and determination paid off. The Ministers backed down, announcing their withdrawal from the demolition project. But the fight wasn’t over. The Marolliens remained vigilant, prepared for further action if the government reneged. Finally, in September 1969, victory was theirs. The Bataille de la Marolle Plaque, with its inscription “Here lies the property developer and his faithful wife, bureaucracy. Concession in perpetuity,” stands as a permanent reminder of their triumph. It commemorates not only the battle but also the spirit of the Marolliens, a community that stood together and refused to be silenced. The Bataille de la Marolle Plaque, more than just a piece of bluestone, embodies the heart and soul of the Marolles.