The jenever sale during the Gentse Feesten is now playing a surprising role in tackling the city’s massive debt. On 2025-07-19 14:49:00, Edmond Cocquyt Jr., the night mayor, donated 374.5 euros to help reduce Gent’s financial burden. This gesture highlights how local events can contribute to public finances in unexpected ways.
- Gent sells jenever to reduce city debt
- Coquyt donates €374.5 to city funds
- Gent’s debt exceeds one billion euros
- City urges residents to contribute savings
- Police ensure safe nighttime money collection
- Christophe Peeters manages city finances
With Gent’s debt exceeding one billion euros, every euro counts. Cocquyt promises to donate half a euro for every jenever sold at Walter De Buckplein during the festival, aiming to chip away at the city’s staggering liabilities. How much difference can this really make, and could other cities adopt similar initiatives?
This unique crowdfunding effort not only supports the city’s finances but also encourages community involvement. Let’s explore how this small contribution fits into the bigger picture of Gent’s economic challenges.
Can a festival tradition really impact a city’s billion-euro debt? While the donation is symbolic, it raises awareness and promotes collective responsibility. Key points include:
- Gent’s debt stands at just under €1 billion after Cocquyt’s donation.
- Half a euro from each jenever sold at Walter De Buckplein goes to the city’s finances.
- Community figures like the night mayor play a role in encouraging contributions.
- Police patrols ensure the safety of ongoing donations during the festival nights.
As the Gentse Feesten continue, will more locals and visitors join in contributing to the city’s debt relief? This initiative could inspire similar community-driven solutions across Belgium’s municipalities.
