Political Battle Erupts Over Actiris Top Job..Belgium’s High-Stakes Power Clash Unfolds

The recent dismissal of Cristina Amboldi as director-general of Actiris has sent ripples through Brussels’ labour market management. The decision, confirmed on 2025-06-20 17:18:00 by the Raad van State due to irregularities in her 2021 recruitment, leaves a leadership gap at a critical moment for the region’s employment services.

Brussels Minister of Work Bernard Clerfayt has launched an urgent hiring process for an interim director to serve six months, as the current government cannot appoint a permanent replacement. This change comes amid looming federal reforms by the Arizona government, which will limit unemployment benefits and reshape job-seeking dynamics across Belgium.

With Actiris facing both internal division and external pressure, what does this leadership shake-up mean for Brussels’ workforce? The answer lies in how political interests and urgent labour market needs will balance in the coming months.

Does this leadership change threaten the effectiveness of Actiris’ response to upcoming unemployment reforms? Political dynamics suggest a complex road ahead:

• The PS is expected to propose a left-leaning candidate, aiming to counterbalance federal Arizona policies.
• MR supports Amboldi’s continued role, valuing her strategic plan for the unemployment benefit changes.
• Internal calls at Actiris show mixed support for Amboldi’s temporary retention, highlighting leadership uncertainty.
• The federal reforms will heavily impact Brussels, increasing the need for steady local leadership.

As the interim director search unfolds, Brussels must ask: who can best steer Actiris through these reforms? Stakeholders should watch closely and engage with the process to ensure the city’s workforce is protected and empowered in this transitional phase.