Pieter De Crem resigns as mayor of Aalter amid discrimination scandal

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

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

As a result of his resignation, the disciplinary inquiry launched by the Flemish minister for Home Affairs, Hilde Crevits (CD&V), is now terminated. The investigation had been opened on grounds of 'gross negligence' after evidence emerged that newcomers to the municipality faced longer waiting times for registration. Possible sanctions could have included suspension or removal from office, but these are no longer applicable since De Crem no longer holds executive authority.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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