Editor
Ostend (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): An opposition councillor in Ostend raised considerations a few potential battle of curiosity involving a development firm and a associate of a resort firm, doubtlessly affecting public choices and belief within the metropolis council.
Opposition councillor Yves Miroir lately shocked the Ostend metropolis council by saying {that a} associate of NV Restotel owns a 3rd of the shares in a development firm referred to as Kaizer, which is predicated in Harelbeke. This has raised considerations a few potential battle of curiosity, particularly if these corporations are concerned in tasks that town council is deciding on. Miroir’s feedback counsel that enterprise ties could be affecting public choices, which may hurt the council’s honesty and lift questions on how truthful and clear the contracting course of is.
How will Ostend metropolis council deal with battle of curiosity claims?
It has been mentioned that town council is below numerous strain to take care of these considerations as a result of they might hurt public belief in how they govern. This scenario may result in calls for for an investigation to see if any unsuitable actions or rule-breaking have occurred, ensuring that every one choices are made for the general public’s profit. The information may additionally have an effect on politics questioning the council’s credibility and inflicting extra examination of the connections between council members and companies like NV Restotel and Kaizer.
Kaizer was chosen to handle the restoration of the Thermae Palace and the Royal Galleries, however they have been alleged to be impartial from town and different companions. It’s unusual {that a} associate purchased shares in Kaizer proper after the choice was made to work with them. Miroir identified that this doesn’t appear truthful and appears like a battle of curiosity, particularly since Kaizer has an enormous lack of 600,000 euros. He feels just like the deal was made by intelligent attorneys whereas town despatched somebody who didn’t know a lot to barter.
Yves Miroir raised some considerations, so town council took a break for nearly 2 hours to test the Belgian Official Gazette the place he discovered his info. Mayor Tommelein admitted their staff doesn’t typically take a look at the Gazette. They need to speak to their authorized staff first to determine what to do subsequent. The council will meet once more by September 6 to see if there’s a authorized situation and how you can transfer ahead with the renovation of the Thermae Palace and the Royal Galleries.
