Focus on the DUTCH SPEAKING PART of BELGIUM Press Review Weekly, Does Not Appear in July • Number 34 • 2 October

Home , Bart Somers, Le Botanique, Patrick Dewael

flandersfocus on THE DUTCH SPEAKING PART OF BELGIUM press review weekly, does not appear in July • number 34 • 2 October – 8 October 2004

INTRODUCTION fla KPMG pays 115 millions $ r la ndr u e s • s f ne of the tasks of the Court u o c c o u of Arbitration is to exam- f s O

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to LHSP shareholders r

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f o s k u of the far right Vlaams Blok he accountants KPMG intend pay- them bought their shares on the Euro- and N-VA member Matthias ing compensation of 115 million pean technology exchange Easdaq. Storme with the Anti-Discrimi- T nation Act that came into force in 2003. The Blok dollars to the investors who from April KPMG Belgium, however, is waiting demanded nothing more or less than the complete 1998 to November 2000 bought shares for the conclusions of the criminal annulment of the Act. The Court of Arbitration did not agree to their demand, but did scrap four not in the Flemish speech-technology firm investigation before also considering a unimportant passages because they appeared far Lernout & Hauspie (LHSP) on the settlement (FF). from legally watertight. Certain discriminations American Nasdaq exchange. For this, (on the basis of race, religion, sex, skin colour, etc.) in the Act appeared punishable, others, such as KPMG reached an amicable settlement RENÉ DE WITTE • DE TIJD • 8 OCTOBER on the basis of language and political conviction, with the solicitors Berman DeValerio not so. The Court ruled that this distinction can in Boston and a syndicate of let-down The proceedings in which KPMG is no longer be maintained. Furthermore, discrimination can now only be punished if someone is actu- investors who had initiated a class implicated involve a so-called Class- ally disadvantaged. In addition, the boundary action suit. They accused KPMG, Action Suit, whereby lawyers collect between permissible freedom of speech and discrimination was made clearer. The Court is afraid which audited Lernout & Hauspie’s mandates from discontented investors that public debate will be undermined, and has accounts, of being jointly responsible who then unite in a “Class”, a syndi- therefore ordered that the dissemination of dis- for the accounting fraud, aimed at push- cate. If compensation is paid, the criminatory texts is no longer a punishable offence. The legal team of the Vlaams Blok is claiming a ing up artificially the price of the share. money is divided: some for the victory for its party and for freedom of speech When the first reports of the embell- lawyers, some for the victims. In the because discriminatory comments in texts can no ished figures appeared in the press, the case of the Flemish technology firm longer be punished and the Act imposes stricter conditions on complaints of discrimination.. The share collapsed and the company ended Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products party is also applauding the fact that political con- up going bankrupt. In Belgium the let- (LHSP), proceedings were initiated viction has also become a reason for discrimination. That will mean that Vlaams Blok members down L&H shareholders united around back in August 2000. One of the most can no longer be banned from trade unions and the Deminor office. A large number of targeted parties was LHSP’s company other organisations, it claims. accountant: KPMG. The members of Strangely enough, the defenders of the Anti-Dis- crimination Act, Minister for Social Integration and CONTENTS the Class filed a claim for some 5 bil- Equal Opportunities Christian Dupont (PS) and lion dollars, the amount at which their Jozef De Witte, Chairman of the Centre for Equal Economy shares had once been valued on the Opportunities and the Fight against Racism, also called the ruling of the Court of Arbitration a victo- Virgin Express full subsidiary of SN stock exchange. The syndicate and ry. The minister points out that the Act has largely Brussels Air Holding 2 KPMG have now reached an agree- been retained, that its scope has even been extended and that the burden of proof has been split Advertising ban on alcoholic drinks ment on an amicable settlement for between perpetrator and victim. De Witte points for teenagers 2 the sum of 115 million dollars, or 2.3% out that the principle of reprehensible grounds - The Post can look for a partner 3 of the original claim. The agreement e.g., racism - which doubles the sentence, remains unchanged. Furthermore, the powers of the Cen- 600 jobs to go at Volkswagen Vorst 3 was submitted to the US District tre have not only been strengthened, but also Flemish employers in conference 4 Court of Boston for approval yesterday. extended once again, says De Witte. Action against phone shops 4 Marketing and Communications Di- For the Vlaams Blok, which in April was convicted of being in breach of the Anti-Racism Act 1981 by rector Jos Hermans of KPMG in Bel- the Ghent Court of Appeal, this ruling is a windfall Social policy gium stresses that the settlement does in the run-up to the crucial ruling of the Court of Cassation on 9 November. The party is hopeful that Liberals put limits on multicultural not include any acknowledgement of based on this ruling, the Court of Cassation will society 5 debt. “Such a Class-Action Suit is a le- also place a restrictive interpretation on the Racism Ban on headdresses: the first ruling 5 gal war of attrition that costs a great Act . It is asking that the Court put a preliminary question to the Court of Arbitration. This must deal of money in the US, takes up a lot then determine whether the Anti-Racism Act is Politics of time and continues to damage our also in breach of the Constitution and can defer the Disagreement about the splitting of image,” says Hermans trial for a year. Electorally that benefits the party, De Morgen (8 October) reminds us, because then Brussels-Halle-Vilvoorde 6 www.kpmg.be it will fall within the preparations for the local elec- Hole of 22,5 million at Antwerp’s tions of 2006. And as emerged from the last elec- tion results, such a trial does not harm the Blok in social welfare centre 7 the least, on the contrary.

Culture: A Flemish Almodovar? 7 ■ Frank Vandecaveye | editor in chief

focus on FLANDERS • 2 October - 8 October 2004 • Number 34 2 ECONOMY

AVIATION ALCOHOL ADVERTISING Restriction on Virgin Express becomes full alcohol advertising subsidiary of SN Brussels for young people threatens music Air Holding festivals, brewers and The two airlines will retain their own profiles and remain operationally advertising agenvies independent

t took a year of negotiations, but they gives VEX a 29.9% stake in SN Air FF EDITORIAL TEAM I got there in the end. The two Belgian Holding. VEX is getting two represen- airlines, SNBrussels Airlines and Vir- tatives on the Board of Directors, ex- The draft Royal Decree of Minister for gin Express, are to merge. The airline panding this to 18 members. VEX’s Health Rudy Demotte (PS), which Virgin Express is being subsumed under voting rights are, however, limited to aims to curb advertising for alcoholic SN Airholding, the parent holding of 24%. This does make the Virgin group drinks aimed specifically at young peo- SNBA. In exchange Virgin Express the biggest individual shareholder in ple below the age of sixteen, in the Holdings (VEX), the parent company of the holding, but it is no secret that the same way as for tobacco advertising, Virgin Express, is to bring an interest of historical shareholders of SN Air Hold- has encountered severe criticism. The 29.9% into this holding, valued at 54 ing work closely together. One or two advertising agencies fear a huge loss of million euros. The remaining 70.1% conditions are attached to the legal income, even more so than from the will remain in the hands of the 35 completion in the course of 2005, but ban on tobacco advertising, because al- investors (Tractebel, Fortis, Biac, ING, they are not under discussion. cohol’s share of the market far exceeds Dexia, etc.) set up by SN Airholding. On 31 December 2004 Virgin Express that of tobacco (Het Laatste Nieuws, The two airlines will retain their own must be entirely free of debt and its net 2 October) The brewing sector will not profiles and remain operationally inde- assets must be reduced to nil. Further- put up with a minister lecturing it, pendent. Virgin Express as a low-cost more, on that day the airline must when for years it has observed a sepa- airline, SNBA as a full-service carrier. have sufficient cash to finance its oper- rate code with rules governing the ad- The collaboration will, however, lead ational expenses for five days. That vertising of alcoholic drinks. But above to significant operational savings. It is will require an estimated 43 million all the organisers of music festivals also highly likely that the name Virgin euros from the Virgin group. Virgin fear a massive drain on finances be- Express will eventually disappear, since also wants to scrap VEX’s listing in cause beer brands could well pull out Virgin boss Richard Branson wants to Brussels. VEX wants to buy out in- as sponsors. The Stella Artois brand, reserve the name for companies where vestors for 1 euro per share. That is far for example, which belongs to beer he holds the control. Finally, certain removed from the 40.16 euros that a giant Inbev, is prominent as a sponsor burdensome financial conditions are share cost at the company’s subscrip- at festivals such as Rock Werchter and attached to the agreement, especially tion in November 1997. Based on the Marktrock. The brand also has its own for Virgin Express (FF). put option which VEX has on its music label, namely Stella Artois 29.9% in SN Air through the agree- Music. Another brand from the Inbev GUIDO MEEUSSEN • DE TIJD • 7 OCTOBER ment, it appears that VEX is worth at stable, Jupiler, sponsors the Belgian most 54 million euros. But that is after first-division football competition and Most of the synergetic effects will the negative net assets have been set- the national football team, the Red come from optimising the network. tled and the debts of Virgin Express NV Devils. The draft Royal Decree wants Virgin Express and SN Brussels Air- paid off. In the non-binding prelimi- commercials banned 5 minutes before lines are currently competing for nary agreement of March VEX received and 5 minutes after children’s pro- twelve destinations. A number of a further put of 64 million euros on its grammes’. Also, they must not suggest routes are also clearly suffering from interest of 29.9%, now therefore only that the use of alcohol promotes social overcapacity. Rob Kuijpers, Chairman 54 million. The call option of SN Air’s or sexual success. of SNBA, wants to have two flight historical shareholders was also cut plans by the start of the 2005 summer from 100 to 75 million euros. In the season that are perfectly attuned to best case scenario the option construc- each other. Co-ordinating the two net- tions now value a Virgin share at 0.25 works is intended to produce a saving and 0.98 euro. of 30 million. Increasing purchasing www.snba.be power and cutting jobs and services at www.virgin.be group level will each provide a further 7 million euros. This should improve the operating result (EBIT) by 25 to 35 million. For this year Virgin Express is still as- suming a negative result, and SNBA is convinced it can achieve its budget, a net profit of at least 2.5 million euros. The agreement makes Virgin Express a full subsidiary of SN Air Holding and ■ ■

focus on FLANDERS • 2 October - 8 October 2004 • Number 34 ECONOMY 3

PUBLIC COMPANY pletely deregulated. Simply attempting De Post can look for a part- to survive is suicide. The competitors will pick off the best bits. De Post will survive by providing a universal ser- ner, the government says vice. The fact that the government is giving the green light now shows that it n Premier Verhofstadt’s policy state- Post is not performing well enough to believes the changes at De Post are I ment the government will allow the be able to stand on its own two feet. going well. Everything suggests that De public company De Post to look for a Thijs therefore wants the go-ahead as Post will have completed the main bulk private partner to help outline a strate- quickly as possible to be able to start of its restructuring by the end of next gy on the deregulated European market. negotiations with a foreign partner, year. In this sense, the timing for the De Tijd quotes the draft text of the pol- preferably before the end of 2004 (FF). start of the search for a partner is per- icy statement, which explicitly calls for fect. At the end of next year the partner a ‘strategic partnership via a capital Opinion will be presented with a more modern increase with industrial partners who Belgian Post Office. Indeed, with a have a long-term vision’. The restruc- MARC DE ROO • DE TIJD • 5 OCTOBER weak financial structure, but that is turing which De Post is pushing why the government is also rightly opt- through is gradually beginning to bear The volume of post is falling by at least ing for a capital increase, not for a sim- fruit. The first six months produced an 3% each year, income remains stable ple sale of shares. After all, De Post increase in turnover (+5.6%), a drop in and costs are rising. The letter is being urgently needs extra funds. costs of 0.7% and an increase in the pushed away by the e-mail and the SMS There will undoubtedly be a large num- EBITDA of 64 million euros. The boss text message. Within the near future, ber of candidates. The Dutch Post of the Belgian Post Office, Johny Thijs, traditional post will undoubtedly be Office announced its interest last year. was even recently awarded a certificate dealt a further blow when electronic Only in a majority interest, the TPG of excellence by the International Post invoicing also becomes generally said forcefully at the time. The TPG Corporation for his international letter accepted. De Post cannot fall back on recently acquired 25% of the Danish post sorting centre in Zaventem, the income and profits from logistical Post Office, so this outpouring has to be Belgian Post International. The BPI activities, like the Dutch TPG or taken with a pinch of salt. Deutsche succeeded in regaining a share of the Deutsche Post. De Post currently Post, Swiss Post, France’s La Poste and market over foreign competitors such achieves only 40% of its turnover in a the Royal Mail will probably also make as Spring, the Royal Mail, Deutsche competitive environment. Over a num- approaches. Post and La Poste. Nevertheless, De ber of years the market has been com- www.depost.be ■

CAR INDUSTRY union representative of the ABVV. That is at least if the automotive park, 600 jobs to go at a large business park for the suppliers of the car plant actually appears. Ac- Volkswagen plant cording to the plans that came out in February, that park should already have been ready. But because Volkswa- n the Volkswagen plant in Vorst, 600 a former consultant with McKinsey, is gen’s general management in Wolfs- I of the 5,750 jobs are to go, reports De known for his tough restructuring. He burg in Germany have not come up Tijd (6 October). The management arrives from Daimler Chrysler and will with the necessary investments, con- announced the cuts at a meeting with be in charge of the Volkswagen make struction of the park has stopped. workers’ representatives. Of these 600, within the group. Earlier this year the The Belgian management has 400 are likely to find work in an exter- management announced that 42,000 promised to force a decision by the end nal supply park, although this will have fewer cars would be assembled in Vorst of this year. German approval is also to be extended. The other 200 workers, this year, so that a total of around still required for the modernisation of on the other hand, would be made 191,000 Volkswagen Golfs, Lupos and the assembly division. Staff at Vorst redundant before the end of 2004. The Audi 3s would run off the production are also waiting anxiously for the reorganisation plans are part of the line this year (FF). planned production which the German international reorganisation that is in general management will assign each the air at the worldwide Volkswagen EMMANUEL VANBRUSSEL • DE MORGEN • plant in mid-November. Prognoses for group. Last year General Manager Pis- 7 OCTOBER the plant in Vorst range from 180,000 chetsrieder launched a plan designed to to 230,000 cars. Finally, pressure on save 4 billion euros. The main reason is On 11 October trade unions and the plant workers will be increased. The poor car sales and the 20% or so overca- management of VW Vorst will discuss management wants to increase the pacity with which the group is strug- how the 200 will be selected and via productivityof each team from 300 to gling. Volkswagen builds 5 million cars which social measure the redundan- 340 cars a day. ‘That has to work,’ says a year, but has plants to build 6 million. cies will take place. The remaining 400 the ABVV. On 6 October the news also emerged superfluous workers will apparently be www.vw.be that Volkswagen had brought in senior transferred to the new ‘automotive manager Wolfgang Bernhard. Bernhard, park’,’ says Hedwig Declercq, trade ■

focus on FLANDERS • 2 October - 8 October 2004 • Number 34 4 ECONOMY

EMPLOYERS nancing of healthcare and pensions Flemish employers hold must be reorganised. Voka wants to abolish early retirement for a period of three to five years. It must be replaced conference on ageing by another system, for example with Chairman Verhoeven is calling in frank terms for a wage freeze and the mobility pools for older workers. Fi- abolition of early retirement and time-credit nally, according to Voka, time-credit premiums must be abolished. Verhoeven questioned the current he annual Voka conference took EVELYNE HENS - DE TIJD - 6 OCTOBER mechanism for social debate. ‘We have T place in Ghent Conference Centre our doubts about the sameness of wage on 5 October, this time on the subject Verhoeven stated that our expectations negotiations. That also applies to the of ‘Capitalise on the ageing population’. must change and be scaled down, espe- length of the working week. Let each Some 850 Flemish managers debated cially given the increasing competition company and its workers choose how wage costs, the ageing population and from Asia and Eastern Europe. He long they should work.’ In so saying, pension schemes. Voka Chairman stood up for a dynamic society where he took a swipe at the Federation of Ludo Verhoeven, CEO at Agfa-Gevaert, daring and initiative were not pun- Belgian Enterprises (VBO) and its call said he was ‘disillusioned’ because no ished. ‘Without this twofold change in for a 40-hour working week. progress had been made in two major mentality it will be impossible to cre- The trade unions reacted tetchily. socio-economic dossiers: high wage ate new jobs.’ And that is necessary if They announced their veto against the costs and early retirement. He is calling we want to earn an extra 9.5 billion eu- abolition of early retirement, time- in frank terms for a wage freeze and the ros a year within 25 years to be able to credit premiums and automatic index- abolition of early retirement and time- pay for the ageing population. ing. They also pointed out ‘that Voka is credit. He also sees no benefit in nation- Voka put forward four proposals for not involved in the social debate on al wage negotiations. Verhoeven claims tackling the problem. Firstly the wage wages and working conditions’. the national average wage is outmoded costs handicap of 8% must be done www.voka.be because it does not take account of the away with within three to four years. differences per sector, region and Verhoeven repeated that there was no between small and large enterprises room for wage increases, not even for (FF). automatic indexing. Secondly the fi- ■

TELECOM peared to realise that this superstruc- Large-scale action against ture had to be tackled. We’re talking about huge sums of money that are not declared and on which no VAT or other call shops taxes are paid. Obviously money-laun- dering is also involved,’ says Lowie. As long as inspections remain one-off and local, the fraudsters will simply n 4 October State Secretary Hervé for global telecoms operators and other move, he says. In his view, therefore, O Jamar, in charge of the fight interested parties (FF). the problem must be tackled interna- against fiscal fraud, organised a large- tionally, more than is currently the scale series of inspections of call shops WIM DE PRETER • DE STANDAARD • case. in Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi, 5 OCTOBER www.cfca.org Ghent, Liège, Fléron, Seraing and Neupré. The operation, christened Tam The link between telecoms fraud and Tam 3, involved 400 police officers, the funding of terrorism was made social and economic inspectors, the some time ago by the Communica- alien affairs department and the inspections Fraud Control Association tion body of the telecoms sector, BIPT. (CFCA),. ‘Terrorist organisations take There are currently around 1,500 call full advantage of telecoms fraud to ob- shops active in Belgium, mostly locat- tain funds by gaining illegal access to a ed in immigrant districts. Many of network and then selling on the ser- them do not have a licence, employ vice,’ wrote the CFCA last year on the people illicitly and ride roughshod over basis of a survey of its members. commercial legislation. Often they are ‘In many of these call shops you’ll find merely a link in a large-scale telecoms most fraud techniques. They form the fraud chain, which diverts internation- backbone of telecoms fraud,’ says Car- al telephone traffic via companies’ los Lowie, the Investigations & Fraud hacked telephone switchboards, for Manager of Belgacom, who was re- example. There also appears to be a link cently appointed director of the CFCA. between telecoms fraud and the fund- ‘The structure of call shops indicates ing of terrorist groups, warns the Com- that it is always the same people or or- munications Fraud Control Associa- ganisations who are behind them. tion (CFCA), a consultation platform Only recently the government ap- ■

focus on FLANDERS • 2 October - 8 October 2004 • Number 34 SOCIAL POLICY 5

INTEGRATION POLICY Dewael says that the question must again be asked as to how tolerant Flem- Liberals put limits on ish society must be of the conduct of other cultures. Rather like the (Dutch populist, ed.) Pim Fortuyn, the Home multicultural society Affairs minister also believes that not all cultures are equal. According to Minister Dewael said that he would not accept women being kept at home Dewael, a number of practices from and not being allowed to follow integration courses other cultures are lowering the level of civilisation of Western society. ‘The fact that in reality they do not ith a number of forceful com- schools and public services, in imita- recognise the separation of Church and W ments in De Standaard (4 Octo- tion of France (FF). State is really incompatible with living ber), Federal Minister for Home Affairs in our society. The fact that they still Patrick Dewael (VLD) has stirred up ill- GUY FRANSEN • DE STANDAARD • have forced marriages and take mea- feeling among the representatives of 4 OCTOBER sures to deprive women of their free- this country’s immigrant community. dom can no longer be tolerated.’ In the interview, Dewael said that he On Saturday in Antwerp Dewael met On Sunday evening Chairman Bart would not accept women being kept at with his Party Chairman Bart Somers Somers announced that Saturday’s home and not being allowed to follow and the Flemish Minister for Integra- meeting with Dewael and Keulen integration courses. He also attacked tion Policy, Marino Keulen, to discuss would shortly be translated into con- the wearing of clothing that covers the immigrant policy. At the same time, crete proposals in connection with a whole body (the burka) and does not the Liberal standpoints and actions multicultural society. The three are not accept that a religion (Islam) does not were brought into line. hiding the fact that they also want to accept the separation of Church and The Home Affairs minister says he still see the Fast-Track Belgian Act repealed State in our democracy. Dewael claims believes in diversity, but feels that as quickly as possible. that Flemish society needs to think immigrants should also respect bor- about how tolerant it should actually ders. ‘We shall have to make that very be and distanced himself from the clear to them during the integration assumption that all cultures are equal. classes, and that’s much more impor- Earlier this year Dewael called for a ban tant than being able to speak our lan- on the wearing of headdresses in guage.’ ■

Ban on headdresses at school tiffs: with their accusations of discrimination directed at teachers, which ap- not discrimination peared in the press in November 2003, the Moslem girls had adversely af- the first court ruling on the banning of headdresses at schools fected the serenity of the social debate. The judge also stated that the pupils were free to sign up with another arely one day after the forceful the Centre for Equal Opportunities and school. Four of the girls are now back B comments by the Home Affairs the Fight against Racism - between the at school. minister on the clothing of Moslem Province of Limburg and the girls had Deputy for Education Smeets, mean- women in Belgium came the first court failed. while, is satisfied with the judge’s rul- ruling on the banning of headdresses at According to Judge Van Coppenolle, no ing. ‘Our first task is to offer good edu- school. Six Moslem girls from the single element suggested that the ban cation to all pupils, with respect for Provinciale Handelsschool in Hasselt constituted a difference in treatment everyone’s faith or ideology. In any demanded damages of 500 euros for or had a harmful effect on the girls. case the school provides instruction in each day they could not wear their There was no question of direct or in- various faiths and ideologies, including headdresses in class. The case of the direct discrimination, he found. Reli- the Islamic religion. We do not want four girls who had signed the school gious freedom is not an absolute right, the wearing of external symbols to lead rules, which included the headdress and that freedom can be subjected to to polarisation, which could cause dif- ban was declared inadmissible. This restrictions that are necessary in a de- ficulties integrating.’ was because since 1 September a school mocratic society, states the ruling. The rule has applied in ten provincial edu- judge was fairly strict with the plain- ■ cational institutions in Limburg banning the wearing of headdresses in flanders wallonia brussels belgium class. The case of the two other girls, who had not signed the rules, was population (2002) 60.20% 30.30% 9.40% 100% according to the judge unfounded (FF). degree of employment 63.50% 54.90% 54.50% 59.90% degree of unemployment 4.90% 10.60% 14.70% 7.60% PETER DUPONT • DE MORGEN • 6 OCTOBER unqualified school 11.90% 16.10% 22.60% 14.30% leavers The summary proceedings came about social security 50.60% 38.30% 11.10% 100% after earlier attempts at mediation - by contributions

focus on FLANDERS • 2 October - 8 October 2004 • Number 34 6 POLITICS

STATE REFORM classic negotiations.’ The CD&V Disagreement about denies that in so doing it wants to bring down the Federal Government. ‘In recent weeks we’ve kept to one side so splitting of constituency as not to complicate the federal discus- sions.’ At the SP.A, the third biggest Brussels-Halle-Vilvoorde party involved on the Flemish side, Vice-Premier Patrick Dewael believes that a credible budget deserves there is already a fear of a new govern- absolute priority in the policy statement ment crisis. ‘We hope Premier Verhofs- tadt can yet provide an incentive to find a solution in the State of the Union,’ carcely had the political storm over we have promised in the Flemish coali- says Chairman Steve Stevaert cautious- S the expansion of the courier firm tion agreement and table a bill that reg- ly. ‘The government has to create a DHL at Zaventem airport blown over ulates the split.’ But Somers adds that framework, which is then filled in by before a new explosive dossier emerged that is not the end of the story. ‘If we the Parliament. That is still fairly diffi- in which the Communities are diamet- want to achieve a result, we’ll have to cult. We must avoid at all costs ending rically opposed. The splitting of the talk with the Francophones anyway. If up in an institutional crisis with judicial and electoral district of Brus- there’s a unilateral Flemish initiative obscure consequences.’ Premier Ver- sels-Halle-Vilvoorde has been a Flem- the Francophones will reach for the hofstadt himself is still hoping for a ish demand for forty years, but now the alarm procedure and that risks bringing ‘global agreement’ in his government Flemish feel they have extra support down the Federal Government. Then statement. from a ruling by the Court of Arbitra- there will still be no split.’ With which tion that declared the bilingual con- the VLD is also reminding Flemish stituency on Flemish territory Halle- Minister-President Yves Leterme Vilvoorde unconstitutional. The (CD&V) and his party of their responsi- Flemish parties have therefore already bility. To achieve a split of Brussels- enshrined the demand in a bill and have Halle-Vilvoorde, negotiations will have agreed in the Flemish coalition agree- to be held anyway, is the message of the ment to use their numerical majority in Flemish Liberals. If that fails at govern- the Federal Chamber to vote that bill. If ment level, then the CD&V, in opposi- they actually do that, they will be run- tion federally, will have to be brought ning the risk of the Francophones on board. The CD&V is playing it cool reaching for the alarm procedure. That for the time being. ‘We are standing by can be done if three-quarters of their the coalition agreement. That says that linguistic group feels that the bill will a bill on the split will be submitted at harm relations between the Communi- the start of the political year,’ says the ties. In that case the dossier will move party spokesman. ‘For us it is about to the Federal Government and if no implementing a ruling of the Court of compromise is found there, the Gov- Arbitration, which does not require ■ ernment will fall. The Flemish parties decided to only submit the bill after the federal policy statement on 12 October. They are giving the federal Verhofstadt government a little more time to discuss with the Francophones within the Federal Government. Vice-Premier SHAREHOLDERSHIP OF SN AIR HOLDING Patrick Dewael believes, however, that a credible budget deserves absolute pri- stock ority in the policy statement. In so virgin sky exchange investments doing, he also articulated the stand- limited point of the Francophone parties. In general the Liberals are not in favour of 88.6% 11.4% proceeding overhastily. But according to acting CD&V Chairman Jo Van- virgin express holdings kbc, ing, dexia, tractebel, fortis deurzen, drawing up a budget cannot be an excuse for shelving the split. VLD 29.9% 70.1% Party Chairman Somers again reiterat- ed that the Flemish parties cannot get around to talking with the Francopho- sn airholding sic nes (FF).

BART EECKHOUT • DE MORGEN • 5 OCTOBER 100% 92% 8%

‘We’re hoping that a solution is found virgin express snba before 12 October,’ says Party Chair- man Bart Somers. ‘If not, we’ll do what

focus on FLANDERS • 2 October - 8 October 2004 • Number 34 LOCAL POLITICS AND CULTURE 7

CITY MANAGEMENT dit cell. We’re now examining whether Hole of 22.5 million euros those procedures have also worked in the last three years.’ In addition to the problems with the accounts, the at Antwerp’s social welfare OCMW will bear the additional deficits of the OCMW hospitals for the centre years 2002-2003. ‘The hospitals’ deficit OCMW-chairwoman De Coninck is not discounting fraud or is 32 million euros, or 7 million more mismanagement than estimated. We’ll bear that 7 million ourselves together with the well of 22.5 million. That could mean that uring an external audit by Ernst & 2003 the independent OCMW hospi- because of the mistakes of the past, the D Young, a comparison of the tals’ deficit was 7 million more than OCMW will have to come up with a accounts of Antwerp’s OCMW (Public had been estimated. The Antwerp drastic savings plan again. We’ll find Social Welfare Centre) and those of OCMW manages a budget of 750 mil- extra money by selling off the histori- Antwerp’s four hospitals revealed a lion euros (FF). cal patrimony, saving on operating hole of 22.5 million euros. The audit costs and cutting back on activities was commissioned by OCMW Chair- KURT TUERLINCKX • GAZET VAN ANTWERPEN that are not key tasks. I don’t think woman Monica De Coninck, who 5 OCTOBER staff cuts are feasible.’ announced a large-scale clean-up opera- www.antwerp.be tion when she took up her post in 2001. ‘With the reorganisation we’ve started, The financial well now means the there’s a risk that such things will hap- OCMW budget for 2005 will have to be pen. I really want everything to be re-written. On top of that, the City completely sorted out. I can’t say we Council has already announced that won’t have any more unpleasant sur- the OCMW will have to repay the debt prises. But I hope not. We’ve now itself, which will leave hardly any mon- sorted out the period up to 2001. This ey over for policy. De Coninck is not OCMW council began in April of that discounting fraud or mismanagement. year. At the time we established a Earlier it had already emerged that in number of procedures and set up an au- ■

FILM POLICY to make feature films. ‘An Almodóvar,’ parries Vander Taelen, ‘do you think A Flemish Almodovar, we’re not looking for one? I invite the minister to come and see what’s in the please pipeline before he criticises how the according to minister anciaux the audiovisual fund makes too few Fund works. Should I name a few targeted choices names of directors and scriptwriters who are currently busy with projects? Fien Troch, Frank van Mechelen, Miel n the evening of Monday 4 Octo- immediately concedes in an interview van Hoogenbemt, Patrice Toye, O ber, the evening before the official with De Morgen. ‘Despite this I believe Dorothée Van den Berghe, Felix Van opening of the Ghent Film Festival, the that in the past two years the Audiovi- Groeningen, Alex Stockman. I agree brand-new Principal Private Secretary sual Fund has done some good work. not all these names ring a bell, but I of Culture Minister Bert Anciaux (Spir- The VAF is running properly.’ But in hope they will be doing within a few it) held a speech which resounded long fact the culture minister expects more. years. Not only in Flanders, but also in after in the Flemish audiovisual world. ‘No one in the film sector is dissatis- Europe. No, when Minister Anciaux Normally Luckas vander Taelen, Direc- fied, but no one is wildly enthusiastic. says he wants a break with trends, that tor of the Flemish Audiovisual Fund That makes me ask questions. Yes, means he’s not expecting salvation (VAF), should have presented his policy there is De zaak Alzheimer (The from these promising film-makers. document. But at the insistence of the Alzheimer Case), a magnificent film, That’s a particular shame, because I minister himself that was postponed but one swallow doesn’t make a sum- can see potential on an international and he had his PPS cast doubt on the mer. I’m shocked that the film sector level.’ Luckas Vander Taelen hopes in subsidy policy of the Flemish feature is reacting so tetchily. And so defen- time to overcome the polarisation be- film, which he feels provides insuffi- sively. I actually want to start a de- tween the Flemish popular film - for cient quality because the VAF makes bate.’ Bert Anciaux wants the debate to which read: the film a lot of people go too few targeted choices. Anciaux is focus on how the VAF should search and see - and the director’s film. The wondering aloud why Flanders has for a cinematographic equal of Anne VAF Director has another argument failed to produce an Almodovar or a Lars Teresa De Keersmaker (dance), Luc with which to defend his two-track Von Trier. The next day Vander Taelen Tuymans (visual arts) and Philippe popular film-director’s film policy: ‘Be- stood up for himself in the press (FF). Herreweghe (music). ‘I’m hoping for a cause De zaak Alzheimer did so well, strong, personal approach that can we’ll recover part of the government’s WARD DAENEN • DE MORGEN • 6 OCTOBER make the difference. The policy has to investment (250,000 of the 750,000 eu- give the Flemish Pedro Almodóvar, ros invested). Anyone who claims to ‘I’m no great fan of the funds,’ Anciaux Lars von Trier or Ken Loach the chance continue to finance both the widely

focus on FLANDERS • 2 October - 8 October 2004 • Number 34 8 CULTURE distributed popular film and give but also private money.’ Both Anciaux www.vaf.be chances to cinematographic show- and Vander Taelen agree that more pri- www.flandersimage.be pieces needs money. Not just from the vate money should be put into film. government - the VAF is able to dis- Unfortunately, Anciaux did not yet tribute 12.5 million euros each year - know how to actually achieve that. ■

hard Loiber and Michaella Grill (Austria) • 22 and 23 October: Les carnets du sous- and Josh Martin (Germany), Concertge- sol by Dostojewski with Patrice Chéreau; Diary bouw, Bruges; info: www. Bozar, Brussels; info: www.bozar.be Concertgebouw.be • 22 October: Steve Coleman & Five • Until 16 October: Les Floraisons du Elements, Bourla Schouwburg, Antwerp; MUSIC, DANCE, THEATRE Botanique, dance festival, Le Botanique, info: 03/224.88.44 www.audijazz.be • 5 to 16 October: Filmfestival Ghent with Brussels;info: 02/218.3732 • 23 October : Roy Ayers, Fusion and Jazz, competition musical impact on film, retro- • Until 16 January: Turkish Festival, Bozar, Handelsbeurs, Ghent; info: www.handels- spective Attenborough, previews and World Brussels; info: www.bozar.be beurs.be, www.audijazz.be Cinema, Kinepolis Ghent, Studio Skoop, • 15 October: Sahara Blues • • 23 October: Philippe Catherine/Erkan Sphinx, Capitole, Film-Plateau and Vooruit; (Belgium/Maghreb), Handelsbeurs, Ghent; Ogur Trio; Bourla Schouwburg, Antwerp; info: www.filmfestival.be info: www.handelsbeurs.be info: 03/224.88.44 www.audijazz.be • 6 to 16 October: South Africa, ten years • 15 October: Liturgic Songs from Istambul, • 23 October: Apsara, Recorder ensemble after the apartheid, exhibitions, debates, Turkiye, Bozar, Brussels; info: with Alpine horn, Concertgebouw, Bruges; concerts, de Vooruit, Ghent; www.bozar.be info: www. Concertgebouw.be info: www.vooruit.be • 16 October: Burt Blanca, Ancienne Bel- • 24 October: Mariinski Orchestra conduct- • 8 to 15 October: The Crying Body by Jan gique, Brussels; info: www.abconcerts.be ed by Valery Gergiev with Chostakowich Fabre, co-production deSingel, Théâtre de • 17 October: Medeski Martin & Wood, and Tchaikovsky, Bozar, Brussels; la Ville (Paris), Tramway (Glasgow) and Ancienne Belgique, Brussels; info: www.bozar.be Teatro Off (Milan), De Singel, Antwerp; info: 02/548.24.24 • 27 October: Jan Michiels (piano) with info: 03/248.28.28 www.desingel.be • 18 October: BVSC presents Ibrahim Dvorak, Janacek and Ligeti; Concertge- • 10 to 31 October: Opera: Aida by Ferrer, Royal Circus, Brussels; bouw, Bruges; info: www. Giuseppe Verdi, director: Robert Wilson; info: 02/507.82.00 Concertgebouw.be De Munt, Brussels; info: www.demunt.be • 18 October: Zita Swoon, Handelsbeurs, • 12 October: Color Tango Orquesta Ghent; info: www.handelsbeurs.be EXPO (Argentina) Handelsbeurs, Ghent; • 19 October: Claus Raible Trio feat. Ed • Until 17 October: Animals in Architec- info: www.handelsbeurs.be Thigpen, De Hopper, Antwerp; info: ture, Museum of Architecture, Brussels • 13 October: Oxalys with Debussy, 0475/55.06.02 • Until 10 October: Open air exhibition Schönberg and Mahler, De Singel, Antwerp; • 19 October: Neal Casal, Handelsbeurs, with sculptures by Rik Poot in Vilvoorde; info: 03/248.28.28 www.desingel.be Ghent; info: www.handelsbeurs.be www.vilvoorde.be • 13 October: Andreas Staier and Christine • 19 and 20 October: Forever Young by Ten- • Until 27 February: Tatu-Tattoo, exhibi- Schornsheim (harpsichord) wit Luz Martin nessee Williams, Frank Castorf and Volks- tion, Royal Museum for Art and History, Leon-Tello (castagnettes) with Spanish bühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, De Sin- Cinquantenaire, Brussels; Fandango, Scarlatti and Bocherini, Protes- gel, Antwerp; info: 03/248.28.28 info: 02/741.72.11 or www.kmkg.be tant Chapel, Brussels; info: www.bozar.be www.desingel.be • Until 16 January: Exhibition: Mothers, • 13 and 14 October: Praga Khan, Ancienne • 20 October: Champ d’action and Josse godesses and sultanes from prehistory until Belgique, Brussels; info: De Pauw, Nono, Kaaitheater, Brussels; the end of the Ottoman empire, Bozar, • 14 October: Natalia Gutman and Elisso info: www.kaaitheater.be Brussels; info: www.bozar.be Wirssaladze (Russia) (cello and piano) with • 20 October: Michael Brecker Quartet, • Until 28 November: Luc Deleu & TOP van Beethoven, Chopin and Brahms, Flagey, Brussels; info: www.flagey.be Office – Values, Muhka, Antwerp; Handelsbeurs, Ghent; info: www.handels- 02/507.82.00 info: www.muhka.be beurs.be • 21 October: Richard Galliano ‘Piazzolla • Until 24 October: Lux, photographs by • 14 October: Sezen Aksu, Turkiye, Bozar, Forever’, De Munt, Brussels; Kris De Witte, Caermersklooster, Ghent; Brussels; info: www.bozar.be info: 070/23.39.39 info: www.caermersklooster.be • 15 and 16 October: Altenberg trio with • 22 October: Danel im Herbst .2 and .3 • 13 October to 16 January: Karel Appel, Pianotrios by Dvorak; De Singel, Antwerp; with compositions by Juhani Lagerspetz, exhibition, Rudi Fuchs on a journey info: 03/248.28.28 www.desingel.be Schubert and Schumann Concertgebouw, through the art of the low countries; Bozar, • 15 and 16 October: Sex Mob, Beurs- Bruges; info: www. Concertgebouw.be Brussels; info: www.bozar.be schouwburg, Brussels and De Kreun, • 21 and 22 October: Kronos Quartet with • Until 19 december: Alphavilles?, exhibi- Kortrijk; info: 02/550.03.50 compositions by Charles Mingus, Terry tion by Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster (Fr); • 15 October: Stacey Kent, Flagey, Brussels; Riley and Steve Reich, CC Hasselt, De Singel, Antwerp; info: 03/248.28.28 info: 02/507.82.00 01122.99.33 and De Spil, Roeselare; www.desingel.be • 15 October: Anne Wolf/Max Blesin Quar- info: 050/47.69.99 • Until 16 January: Pacale Marthine Tayou, tet ‘Tribute to Jobim’, Sounds Jazzclub, African art, Smak, Ghent; Brussels; info: 02/512.92.50 la flan ur dre info: 09/221.17.03 www.smak.be s • • 15 October: Alpenduetz 2 & 3,with Bern- s f u o ■ c c o u f s

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Editor in chief: Frank Vandecaveye n •Translation: Eurologos n

• Advisory panel: Luc Demeester (Lannoo), Rik Van s • Printing: Drukkerij Lannoo nv, Tielt u

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focus on FLANDERS • 2 October - 8 October 2004 • Number 34