N-VA demands independent inquiry committee after new Pano revelations about Anderlechtse Haard

“This is no longer about isolated dysfunctions. This is an entire governance culture in which vulnerable people are made dependent on political connections.” Brussels parliamentary group leader Gilles Verstraeten reacts sharply to the new Pano report on the social housing company Anderlechtse Haard. Verstraeten is therefore calling for the establishment of an independent inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the organisation’s operations.

According to N-VA, the report confirms what had been circulating in Anderlecht for quite some time: a system of clientelism, political interference and mismanagement within the PS power structures.

Verstraeten refers to statements he himself made in 2024 following earlier revelations about the Anderlecht Public Social Welfare Centre (CPAS/OCMW). “At the time, I already said that a full Pano report could also be made about social housing in Anderlecht. Unfortunately, that now appears to be true as well,” he says.

Vulnerable people made dependent

The new testimonies show that the problem runs far deeper than individual mistakes. Verstraeten therefore speaks of a culture in which social support and housing are used to strengthen political power.

“It happens through the welfare office, through the social housing company and probably through other channels as well. While some social housing units are plagued by mould, decay and inhumane living conditions, PS representatives appear mainly concerned with favours for friends, additional income and electoral gain.”

The report notably mentions testimonies from residents who allegedly came under pressure during election periods to show how they voted or prove their loyalty. Social housing units were also allegedly promised in the run-up to elections. “In a context of poverty and dependency, many people no longer have a free choice — it becomes a matter of survival,” says Verstraeten.

‘Santa Claus politics’

The report also portrays the PS’s typical “Santa Claus politics”: social activities and gifts such as free fries, waffles and toys for children, always in the presence of the chairman. “That is what you call buying votes. Meanwhile, people in certain housing units are living in total misery.”

Verstraeten is equally outraged by the misuse of public resources and public staff for political campaigning: “Every possible means seems acceptable to win votes. The use of personal data and databases from public institutions, public resources to print campaign leaflets… In my view, exactly the same practices were already being used during Mostefa’s time as chairman of the welfare office.”

Trust in oversight has disappeared

For N-VA, internal controls are therefore no longer sufficient. The party is calling for an independent inquiry committee to investigate all files, allocations and political interventions within Anderlechtse Haard.

“People must finally realise what is happening in Anderlecht,” Verstraeten concludes. “This can only continue to exist because the supervisory hierarchy allows it or covers it up. If Brussels wants to remain credible, the full truth must finally come to light.”