The legality of seconding a municipal employee to the cabinet of Moureaux has sparked controversy in Molenbeek. Since December, the MR party has challenged this practice, arguing it violates Belgian law. On 2025-05-28 18:10:00, Minister of Local Governments Bernard Clerfayt confirmed these concerns, stating the secondment was indeed unlawful.
- MR-fractie klaagt illegale detachering aan
- Minister Clerfayt bevestigt wettelijke overtreding
- Detachering beperkt tot rang E1 tot A4
- Kabinetschef Moureaux had hogere rang A7
- MR wil kwestie maandag opnieuw bespreken
- MR overweegt klacht wegens misbruik middelen
According to Clerfayt, only municipal staff holding ranks from E1 (assistant clerk) to A4 (technical deputy advisor) can be seconded to cabinet roles. However, Moureaux’s chief of staff held an A7 rank (director/technical director), exceeding the permitted level. This raises questions about the misuse of public resources and the proper functioning of local government.
What does this mean for Molenbeek’s municipal governance, and how will the MR respond to these findings? The party plans to revisit the issue imminently, seeking clarity on financial implications and potential legal action.
Could this case set a precedent for stricter oversight of municipal appointments? The situation highlights key concerns:
- Legal limits on secondment ranks aim to maintain municipal stability.
- Ignoring these rules risks weakening local governance and transparency.
- The MR’s threat of complaints signals growing political tension in Molenbeek.
- Financial accountability remains a critical issue moving forward.
As the MR prepares to escalate the matter, will Molenbeek’s authorities take corrective action? Belgian citizens and officials alike await clear answers and stronger safeguards against misuse of public resources in local government.
