Pieter De Crem resigns as mayor of Aalter amid discrimination scandal

Pieter De Crem, who belongs to of Flemish Christian democrat party CD&V, has resigned as mayor of the East Flemish municipality of Aalter and as a municipal councillor.

It follows the release on Friday of an Audit Flanders report that found Aalter had engaged in discriminatory practices against non-Belgians during the registration process.

As a result of his resignation, the disciplinary inquiry launched by Flemish minister for Home Affairs and party colleagueHilde Crevits, is now terminated. The investigation had been opened on grounds of gross negligence after evidence emerged that non-Belgian newcomers to the municipality faced longer waiting times for registration than Belgians.

Possible sanctions could have included suspension or removal from office, but these are no longer applicable since De Crem no longer holds executive authority.

Disciplinary inquiry against Aalter mayor De Crem over discrimination allegations

Flemish minister of Home Affairs Hilde Crevits will launch a disciplinary investigation into Pieter De Crem, the mayor of Aalter, over complaints...

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De Crem is now withdrawing entirely from local politics. It remains unclear whether he will retain his party membership. CD&V party leader Sammy Mahdi has so far declined to comment on De Crem’s decision.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO ROB WALBERS}

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