The magazine’s investigation paints the portrait of a man whose aura has been tarnished. Several women, colleagues and representatives denounced his actions. One of them, a former opposition councilor, does not mince words, describing Eerdekens as a “rude, misogynistic and phallocratic” man. Other testimonies report chilling situations: inappropriate remarks, intrusive gestures, questionable invitations to share champagne in his office. For the victims, this behavior is not a simple lack of tact, but an abuse of power which tarnishes the reputation of a once all-powerful man in Andenne.
Andenne, a Walloon political example
On the political scene, the forced withdrawal of Claude Eerdekens leaves a void that the opposition is already preparing to fill. With a PSD@ now weakened, the alliance between the MR and AD&N seems inevitable. Discussions to form a new majority are progressing quickly, and potential partners are displaying a clear desire: to create a “secure and respectful” political and professional environment. Among their priorities, the establishment of a point of contact to denounce abuses of power within political mandates, an essential request to ensure that the toxic climate described by victims does not persist.
Claude Eerdekens’ defense against accusations of sexual harassment shocks: “The ignominy has never before reached this level”
For the women of AD&N and 5300, this struggle goes far beyond the borders of the small Walloon town. As they express it in their joint text: “The scale of the phenomenon, revealed by #MeToo politics, is such that it is a democratic issue as much as a public health issue.” They say they are ready to lead this fight, determined to refuse any form of sexism in political arenas.
With the fall of Claude Eerdekens, a page is turning in Andenne, and the advent of a new political order where abusive behavior will no longer have its place. The women of Anden are clear: it is time to rebuild on healthier and more respectful foundations.
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