Long-time mayor of Aalter Pieter De Crem (CD&V) has resigned. De Crem took the decision after it emerged that the Flemish audit authority Audit Vlaanderen ruled that the domicile registration policy in his municipality was discriminatory. A disciplinary investigation was underway into De Crem.
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Pieter De Crem resigns as Aalter mayor after controversy over domicile registration policy that discriminated foreigners
Colin Clapson
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Pieter De Crem, who until now has served as a member of the Flemish Christian democrat CD&V, has been under fire since VRT’s “Pano” programme – together with daily De Morgen – revealed that it was much more difficult for foreigners to obtain an official domicile in Aalter (East Flanders) than for Belgians.
A thorough investigation by Audit Vlaanderen also concluded that the registration policy in the town was illegal and discriminatory. Following that audit, Flemish home minister Hilde Crevits (CD&V) launched a disciplinary investigation into her party colleague.
‘The continuity of government and the restoration of serenity in our beautiful municipality is now my primary concern,’ De Crem wrote in a message to the residents of Aalter on social media. ‘That is why I have decided to resign.’
Disciplinary investigation against Pieter De Crem ends with resignation
The resignation of Pieter De Crem, a former Belgian defence minister, who has meanwhile also announced his departure from the Christian democrat party, has brought the disciplinary investigation against him launched by Flemish home minister Hilde Crevits (CD&V) to an end.
The disciplinary investigation was launched on the grounds of ‘gross negligence’ following the Audit Vlaanderen report on discriminatory policies in Aalter towards newcomers. It could have led to De Crem's suspension or dismissal as mayor. De facto, this is no longer possible because De Crem no longer holds executive office.
A disciplinary investigation is initiated by the supervisory authority – in this case Minister Crevits – and has nothing to do with any judicial investigation.