Concerns over the financial transparency of PZ Antwerpen have resurfaced, with opposition party Groen demanding clearer insight into how the police budget is managed. The issue gained renewed attention on 2025-05-08 11:38:00, as Groen’s spokesperson Bogdan Vanden Berghe highlighted the lack of accountability despite the police receiving 375 million euros annually from the city.
- Opposition demands transparency on PZ Antwerpen finances
- Police budget receives 375 million euros annually
- Financial reports not properly approved since 2021
- Requests for budget details dismissed or ignored
- Groen urges reinstatement of separate Police Council
- Calls for accountability under Els van Doesburg
Vanden Berghe criticized the absence of detailed financial reports, stating that requests for budget documents are often ignored or dismissed. He also pointed out that the police’s annual accounts have not been approved since 2021, raising questions about fiscal oversight.
What steps can Antwerp take to ensure better control over police spending? Groen suggests reinstating the Politieraad, a dedicated police council that was previously disbanded. This proposal aims to enhance transparency and allow elected officials to monitor the use of public funds more effectively.
Is the current system sufficient to guarantee responsible spending in the police force? Without clear financial reporting, public trust can erode. Groen’s call for a Politieraad could restore oversight by:
- Providing a formal platform to review police budgets and expenditures
- Ensuring annual accounts are properly approved and scrutinized
- Increasing transparency to prevent misuse of public funds
As Antwerp’s political landscape evolves, the reinstatement of the Politieraad could mark a crucial step toward financial clarity and public confidence. Will city leaders respond to Groen’s call and prioritize accountability in police funding?
