The Raad van State has suspended the decision by Flemish Minister of Home Affairs Hilde Crevits to block the appointment of Wieland De Meyer as mayor of Heuvelland. This ruling, announced on 2025-06-30 16:03:00, highlights procedural fairness in local government appointments.
- Raad van State schorst benoemingsbeslissing Crevits
- Wieland De Meyer geweigerd als burgemeester
- De Meyer kreeg geen inzage redenen
- Raad van State wijst schending hoorplicht aan
- Besluit betreft gemeente Heuvelland
- Minister Crevits handelt namens Binnenlands Bestuur
De Meyer, representing Gemeentebelangen, was not given prior access to the reasons behind his non-appointment. The Raad van State found this to be a breach of the mandatory right to be heard, a key principle in Belgian administrative law.
What does this mean for local politics in Flanders? And how will this affect ministerial decisions going forward? The ruling sets a precedent that could reshape appointment protocols across Belgium’s municipalities.
Why is the right to be heard so crucial in this case? It ensures transparency and fairness in political appointments, preventing unilateral decisions without explanation. This ruling raises important questions:
- Should all mayoral candidates be given full disclosure before appointment decisions?
- How will this impact the balance of power between Flemish ministers and local councils?
- Could this lead to more legal challenges in municipal politics?
As this case unfolds, Belgian municipalities and officials should review their appointment procedures to ensure compliance with legal standards. Citizens and politicians alike will be watching closely to see how this influences future government transparency and accountability.
