Cieltje Van Achter: “PS blockade prevents reforms in Brussels”

Nine months after the elections, Brussels still lacks a fully functioning government due to a veto by PS leader Ahmed Laaouej against N-VA's participation. In an interview with Knack, Flemish Minister for Brussels and Media Cieltje Van Achter states that the PS is undermining the institutional balance in Brussels and is not respecting the autonomy of the Dutch-speaking side. “If you yield now to the PS’s dictates, no reforms will ever happen,” she warns.

Financial Threat

Brussels is facing a budget deficit of 1.6 billion euros, equivalent to 25 percent of its revenue. According to Van Achter, a credit downgrade by Standard & Poor’s in June is almost inevitable. “As soon as the rating drops, there’s a risk that Brussels will no longer be able to raise funds. That means numerous salaries might go unpaid. If the federal government has to step in, it will undoubtedly impose a restructuring plan.”

Criticism of Unemployment Policy and Need for Reform

Van Achter calls for a thorough reform of the Brussels labour market. She points to its inefficient structure: Actiris dedicates only 16 percent of its staff to assisting jobseekers, and there are 19 separate Missions Locales. “Too many jobseekers in Brussels are simply left alone. That has to become much more proactive,” she argues.

Vision for Brussels' Future

Van Achter advocates for greater fiscal responsibility and more efficient structures in Brussels, such as merging police zones and creating a unified metropolitan region. She stresses that the Flemish Community remains essential for Dutch-language services in the capital. “If the Flemish Community withdraws, those services will disappear entirely,” she warns.