A particularly complicated legislature
We know that between 2018 and 2024, there were numerous crises managed by municipalities in the south of the country but, in Liège perhaps more than elsewhere, they were intense. In addition to the energy crisis and the resulting increase in costs or even the health crisis, Liège had to manage the flood disaster (more than 10,000 homes affected in Liège) as well as this terrible computer hacking which undermined everything internal system of the administration, in 2021.
“And it was perhaps the crisis that was the most difficult to manage”did not hesitate to comment on Mayor Willy Demeyer this Monday evening. While the municipal debt was accumulating, due in particular to the cost of pensions (responsibility contributions), Christine Defraigne’s finance services were, in fact, unable to have the tools necessary for efficient management of municipal finances. . Consequence: a lack of accounts for several years… a tragedy for a city of nearly 200,000 inhabitants.
“Of course, I would have preferred to present these accounts earlier but I would like to emphasize that we did not work blindly”indicated the alderwoman, in response in particular to the criticisms of the PTB, Vert Ardent and Vega who, precisely, demand “accounts”. As a reminder, the accounts make it possible to see whether the budgetary requirements have, in fact, been respected. “So these are facts, not predictions.”underlined the PTB.
With all due respect to the opposition, Christine Defraigne praised the work carried out by her teams this Monday evening, not without mentioning the real progress in terms of gender equality, a theme for which she was also responsible.
“Communal councilor from 1989 to 1994 and then from 2001 to today, Christine has demonstrated an unfailing commitment to the general interest, notably as First Alderwoman in charge of Finance, Urban Planning, Heritage , Gender Equality and Animal Welfare”indicated the MR for Liège this Monday evening. “Her career is marked by outstanding leadership, whether as a Member of the Walloon Parliament, as President of the Senate between 2014 and 2018, but also for the City of Liège.. Liège politics is certainly losing a real personality.
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