BRUSSELS, Belgium (CBSDC) — The mayor of Brussels is calling for population control in his city.

Socialist Mayor Freddy Thielemans said the overpopulation of Brussels was “a problem found among Muslims, Jews and even Christians” during a debate last month.

“In Brussels there are many families with seven or eight children,” Thielemans said, according to Flanders News. “They apply for social flats, but flats to accommodate such numbers do not exist.”

Thielemans said there needs to be a discussion about limiting the amount of children families can have.

Having “so many children is irresponsible,” the Brussels mayor added, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Critics pounced on Thielemans’ comments.

“In a free society, having children is a right which cannot be up for negotiation,” Molenbeek Mayor Philippe Moureaux said on Twitter, according to the Telegraphic Agency.

Over 1 million people live in Brussels.