Bart de Wever, Mayor of Antwerp and extreme right-wing N-VA leader in Belgium, said, "Muslims are causing tension in public places and in education to use religious symbols, not everything about Islam is acceptable."

Wever, who interviewed for the flamenco De Zondag newspaper, made anti-Islamic statements.

"I personally think that the headscarf must be banned in all schools and state institutions," Weber said, suggesting religious symbols and discourses should be restricted to the public.

De Wever, also known for his anti-refugee attitude, said; "The basic structure of our identity, our values, and our rules is under pressure."

"Some parties consider the headscarf as a symbol of freedom, I think it's strange, the society accepts everything about Islam while trying to reduce the role of Christianity," he said.

It is stated that the announcements of de Weber, the mayor of Antwerp since 2013, are the preparation for the local elections to be held in October, and the statements are in the nature of populist propaganda for local elections. (ILKHA)