Brussels minister president Boris Dilliès is set to begin an intensive Dutch language course in Spa next week. Since taking office, he has faced considerable criticism over his limited knowledge of Dutch.
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Brussels minister president begins intensive Dutch course after criticism of language skills
BRUZZ
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Dilliès, of francophone liberal party MR, was appointed minister president of the capital region in February. When he spoke to the press, it immediately became clear that he did not have a good command of Dutch.
This led to widespread criticism of Dilliès, who, as mayor of Uccle, should already have been able to speak both languages fluently. Defence minister Theo Francken of N-VA said he needed to “find another job if he does not want to learn the language”.
I owe the people of Brussels a good command of Dutch
Dilliès immediately indicated that he understood the criticism and promised to take lessons. “I owe the people of Brussels a good command of Dutch. That is essential; I plead guilty,” he told Bruzz. He is now taking Dutch lessons and listening to political podcasts in Dutch.
Next week, he will begin an intensive course in Spa, his office has confirmed. “But we don’t want to draw too much attention to it so that he can master our beautiful language in peace,” said spokesperson Cristophe Degreef.
The course is run by Ceran. Participants are immersed in the language for 60 hours and this immersion continues in the evenings during dinners and cultural activities.
Several prominent figures have already taken their courses. Brussels minister Ahmed Laaouej of PS, while he was mayor of Koekelberg, faced criticism over his command of Dutch. Didier Reynders and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands also took intensive Dutch lessons in Spa.