Bernard Clerfayt: “I would like Audi to cooperate more with Brussels”

Bernard Clerfayt (DéFI), Brussels Minister of Employment, Local Authorities and Animal Welfare was the 8:15 am guest on Bonjour Bruxelles. He was asked by Fabrice Grosfilley.

A task force is expected to meet this Friday afternoon on the future of Audi Forest. When asked about this, Bernard Clerfayt explains that he is a little hesitant about the idea of ​​supporting the factory because few Brussels residents are employed there.

“Brussels must support Audi or Audi must support Brussels?”

“Audi is a company that is usually profitable and doing well. But it is clear, it faces challenges regarding the production of cars, the electrification of the car fleet and the choice of the location of its production. (…) It is important and I understand that the Prime Minister is concerned about it. It is important to maintain industrial sectors in Belgium and for Belgium to continue producing electric vehicles. (…) So the question we have to ask ourselves now: should Brussels help Audi or should Audi help Brussels? Because Audi means 3,000 jobs. But to my knowledge, there are about 10% of jobs in Brussels. I am very angry.“

And continued: “We already gave a reward, five or six years ago, for Audi’s commitment to employ more Brussels residents. They did it on the sidelines. But you should know that there are not enough Brussels workers. I would like Audi to cooperate more with Brussels to provide employment for Brussels workers.” From there to having more concessions to support the factory? “If we can get Actiris and Audi to cooperate, I think we will have a win-win outcome.“, answers the minister.

An investigation is ongoing into the Paradigm issue

Regarding the issue of Paradigm, the IT administration of Brussels which is under criticism (Le Soir reports a bad and even authoritarian situation in management and questionable sponsorship costs, such as 20,000 euros per year for … a golf course), Bernard Clerfayt confirms. that he requested an investigation at the end of last year following various management problems.

“We were made aware at the end of the year of some of the cool features that we are exploring. In fact, there are some management problems, which deserve an explanation that I have not yet fully received from the senior management. This work is ongoing. I do not understand today why the General Leadership of the public administration must walk on the golf course. But please explain to me what it is. If it’s a regular golf activity, I don’t see a link to public administration. I have already indicated that I do not want more costs of this kind and I am asking for clarification on the previous costs.“

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