Television: The improbable job of this Belgian made internet users scream with laughter

By granting a short interview to the Belgian channel RTBF for its Tuesday evening news, Emmanuel Gennart certainly did not expect to make such a buzz. It must be said that the subject on which he was speaking was not very exceptional: it was a question of the ban on kayaking on rivers, because of the drought. Employee of the public service of Wallonia, Emmanuel Gennart was presented as “responsible for navigation in non-navigable waterways”. An improbable function, which wildly amused Internet users.

“Wonderful job with the Belgians!”, had fun on Instagram a “producer in a good mood”. “When Belgians turn administrative nonsense into poetry,” commented one of his subscribers. “His post remains less fictitious than that of Marlène Schiappa”, could we read below. “And that’s a good situation?” joked another person. “They are not looking for a back-up for this important work?” Quipped a twitto for his part.

The function occupied by the Belgian is however not fictitious. Questioned by CheckNews, Emmanuel Gennart explains that the mention of “non-navigable waterways” does not mean that there is no traffic: “On these waterways, merchant ships, barges, yachts are banned,” he says. Kayaking or diving enthusiasts can evolve there. So you really need a navigation officer for non-navigable waters.

The Belgian, who admits to having been well off with this report, believes that the RTBF should have titled his position instead: “Head of traffic on and in non-navigable waterways.” A “completely classic” office job, assures the person concerned.

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