MPs clash over nomination of Axel Miller to chair state investment company

A row has erupted in Belgian politics after Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of francophone liberal party MR, nominated Axel Miller to chair the state investment company SFPIM.

Left-wing opposition parties sharply criticised the move in parliament on Thursday. Green MP Meyrem Almaci called the proposal “perverse”, while Sofie Merckx of the PVDA said the decision was hard to understand. Independent MP Jean-Marie Dedecker described it as “a huge disgrace”, a comment that drew applause from some members of governing parties Vooruit and CD&V.

The criticism centres on Miller’s past role as chief executive of Dexia, which collapsed during the 2008 financial crisis and required major taxpayer support. Belfius later emerged from Dexia’s Belgian operations. If appointed, Miller would help oversee plans to partially privatise Belfius.

Ex-Dexia boss nominated for key Belgian state role sparks criticism

Belgian liberal party leader Georges-Louis Bouchez (MR) has nominated former banker Axel Miller to become chairman of the federal investment body...

belganewsagency.eu

Finance minister Jan Jambon declined to comment and said the government had yet to take a formal decision.

Bouchez, however, defended his choice. He said Miller was “more capable than those criticising him” and rejected claims that the former banker was personally responsible for Dexia’s collapse. He also dismissed the backlash as exaggerated and argued that Miller had both financial and political experience.

The government has not yet said when it will decide on the appointment, or whether coalition partners will support or oppose it.

^{© BELGA PHOTO THIERRY ROGE}