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Home , Bart Somers, Karel De Gucht, Marianne Thyssen, Patrick Dewael, Willy De Clercq

flandersfocus on THE DUTCH SPEAKING PART OF press review weekly, does not appear in July • number 6 • 7 February – 13 Fbruary

INTRODUCTION

la fland De Gucht sidelined by ur re s • s f u o hursday, 12 February, will c c o u f s remain etched in the

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a • f o s k u to come. No fewer than three ‘ n empty box’ is how VLD Chair- mitted an amendment for the further parties, VLD, MR and Green! A man, , referred to a limitation of immigrant voting rights, were facing a serious crisis. The Limburg section circular the government intended to which was swiftly voted out. This was of the Green! party is threatening to break away. add to the bill on immigrant voting the proverbial straw. Two weeks earlier A green majority in that province approved a res- rights (see p. 2). The circular was a com- he had already angered the prime min- olution to face the next elections in a cartel with SP.A-Spirit. The sector refuses to abide by the de- promise solution, which was agreed ister by declaring that the VLD was pre- cision made at the latest party conference to surprisingly quickly and approved by pared to face a government crisis in or- stand independently. Flemish Environment Min- all majority parties. Everyone, includ- der to reinforce its opposition to ister, Ludo Sannen, supports those in favour of a ing the VLD, wanted to remove the is- immigrant voting rights. Using his cartel and has already made it clear that he will sue of immigrant voting rights from the amendment he again looked for a con- not be a candidate on the Groen! list at the next agenda as soon as possible, because ac- frontation with the coalition partners elections. The French speaking MR liberals were cording to recent opinion polls only the SP.A-Spirit, PS and MR and the premier no less affected. Their figurehead, opposition was gaining from it. The this week. In an interview published in Daniel Ducarme, was forced to resign as minis- VLD regained its unanimity at the par- De Morgen on 12 February, De Gucht ter-president of the Brussels region. It had been known for some time that Ducarme was in trou- ty conference and accepted the defeat again highlighted his ‘steely’ party log- ble with the taxman. Vers l’Avenir published de- on immigrant voting rights with hon- ic. But his fate had already been decided tails on this subject on 12 February. Ducarme’s our. All expectations pointed to the fact the night before at a crisis meeting in tax returns had allegedly not been completed, or that the country could now be ‘gov- the prime minister’s official residence completed late, for a period of five years. erned’ again. However, this did not take involving the entire party top except for Ducarme emphasised that this was not a case of into account the stubborn efforts of De Gucht. The trigger for this meeting fraud but that he could no longer live with the in- Karel De Gucht, who manfully contin- was a secret opinion poll held amongst sinuations. He was replaced that same day by ued his battle in parliament. He sub- VLD voters, according to which the Jacques Simonet. In attention was obvi- ously focused on the power struggle in the VLD VLD would lose one third of its voters top. The high-handedness of party Chairman, CONTENTS as a result of its approach to the immi- Karel De Gucht, on the subject of an amendment grant voting rights dossier (FF). on the tightening of immigrant voting rights was Politics the straw that broke the camel’s back. Following No voting rights for rejected Opinion a crisis meeting involving all VLD ministers as well candidate Belgians? 2 as ex-party chairman Willy De Clerck, Annemie Circular has no substance, says LUC VAN DER KELEN • HET LAATSTE Neyts and Herman Decroo, Karel De Gucht was De Gucht 2 NIEUWS • 13 FEBRUARY asked to resign. De Gucht refused knowing full well that he could only be unseated with a mo- Yvo Belet from VRT to CD&V 2 tion of distrust at a party conference, which The stubborn one-man campaign The opinion poll showed that the strat- amounted to a political impossibility four of Karel De Gucht 3 egy, based on making the immigrant months before the elections. However, ‘In the in- Dewael warns mayors 3 voting rights issue a hanging matter, terest of the party’ he was prepared to hand over Kabila’s invitations 3 was completely undermining the party. the political leadership to premier Verhofstadt The VLD conference 4 knew that he had to and the Flemish Minister-President, . Reactions after the poll 4 act quickly to deal with the way in De Gucht will remain in charge overall but, ac- which Karel De Gucht was endanger- cording to Het Laatste Nieuws, this merely re- lates to ‘flowerpots and party buildings’. Many Justice: ing the government and VLD’s new fer- press observers doubt whether the combination Criticism of police reform 5 vour acquired at Saturday’s conference. of government leader and political leader is a Verhofstadt must have been well aware feasible option. An ambiguous emergency solu- Economy and mobility that De Gucht was steering the VLD tion - according to De Standaard and De Tijd. Aviation: newcomer BelgiumExel 5 ship towards the opposition and that a Both papers feel that Verhofstadt will find him- Gores acquires 83% in Real Software 6 lack of action on his part would also self in a position in which he is very vulnerable to Roadworks: companies complain 6 undermine the coalition partners’ faith attacks from the opposition and his coalition The Ubizen take-over battle 7 in him. partners. Frank Vandecaveye | editor in chief Media: a permanent sports network 7 focus on FLANDERS • 7 February - 13 February • Number 6 2 POLITICS

IMMIRGRANT VOTING RIGHTS Following the approval of the bill on No voting rights for immigrant voting rights the Interior Ministry will send a relevant circular to local authorities. The same happened rejected candidate Belgians? in 1999 with the introduction of mu- Belgians and immigrants are treated on an equal footing nicipal voting rights for non-Belgians in the . The circular stat- ed that local authorities had to verify The day after the VLD party confer- Home Affairs Minister, whether EU citizens, registering as vot- ence, during a transmission of the VRT (VLD), reported in De Standaard (9 Feb- ers, were/were not excluded from vot- programme ‘De Zevende Dag’, Chair- ruary) that he would be prepared to im- ing on the basis of the municipal crimi- man Karel De Gucht announced that he plement the proposal with a circular. nal records. These regulations are now would submit an amendment on immi- ‘That way Belgians and immigrants are extended to non-Belgians originating grant voting rights, whereby immi- treated on an equal footing. Belgians from outside the European Union, who grants with a criminal past would be re- with a criminal record can also lose will get municipal voting rights. A new fused voting rights. SP.A fraction their voting rights,’ the minister point- feature is the fact that local authorities leader, Dirk Vander Maelen, did not re- ed out (FF). can contact the Naturalisations depart- ject this outright, but appealed for an- ment of the Chamber to verify whether other solution - for instance a minister- MARK DEWEERDT • DE TIJD • or not a non-Belgian from outside the ial circular - as a new amendment 10 FEBRUARY European Union, registering as a voter, would have to be resubmitted to the has convictions that would remove , where it has already been ap- The circular met with judicial objec- his/her voting rights. proved in the meantime. tions. Paul Van Orshoven, professor in (MR) also considered this a ‘logical and public legislation at the University of reasonable’ proposal. Only the PS sus- Leuven, stated that with a circular no PARTIES pected delaying tactics. De Gucht exceptions can be made with respect to wants to establish what the reason for legal definitions. It has been agreed, Yvo Belet from VRT the refusal was for the 25% of immi- however, to apply the Electoral Code, to Cd&V grants whose naturalisation applica- according to which an individual who tions were rejected. He is of the opinion incurs a criminal conviction will defi- FF EDITOR that in cases involving membership of nitely lose his/her voting rights. Indi- integristic organisations, involvement viduals who are sent to prison for at Yvo Belet, anchorman of the informa- in prostitution, in the drugs trade or hu- least four months temporarily lose tion programme Ter Zake of the public man trafficking, or serious convictions, their voting rights (minimum 6, maxi- broadcasting company VRT, has been voting rights should be refused. The mum 12 years). awarded third place on the European list of CD&V. This implies that he is following in the footsteps of his ex-col- league, Dirk Sterkx, who was awarded a Circular has no substance, place on the European VLD list during opposition and De Gucht say the previous European elections and is currently a member of the . Belet, who sees himself as a y Monday lunchtime, 9 February, ,,The regulations state that we can sub- ‘progressive Christian democrat’, start- B the majority parties spurred on by mit an amendment right up to the end ed his career as a trainee in the CD&V Guy Verhofstadt had agreed that the of the discussions,’ replied Karel De delegation at the European Parliament. tightening of the immigrant voting Gucht. It was rumoured in the corridors With the VRT he specialised in Euro re- rights act would be coordinated via a that he was particularly unhappy with porting for some time, later became an- circular. However, the circular does not the fact that the circular was nothing chorman and recently deputy chief ed- at all reflect what party Chairman De more than an ‘empty box’. ‘Either the itor, but also the responsible for the Gucht implied with his original amend- 'box' is given substance or the amend- election programmes. According to ment proposal, but Verhofstadt wants ment will still be submitted,’ the VLD what he says the European credibility to get the issue of immigrant voting threatened the coalition partners dur- of CD&V was the deciding factor for his rights over and done with as soon as ing informal discussions. decision. possible. During the parliamentary de- The other majority parties had had Current MP, , will be bate on the act on 10 February the op- enough and the socialists were surely second on the list. Party Chairman position parties CD&V, Vlaams Blok not going to continue to support the assured us that we would and N-VA continually reminded VLD amendment. They refer to the agree- know by end of March whether or not Chairman De Gucht that the circular ment on the circular and are assuming Jean-Luc Dehaene will lead the list. In had no substance. As a result De Gucht that the VLD will not bring the conflict all probability Leterme will lead the list threatened with another amendment, to a head again. A large part of the par- for the regional elections in West Flan- to the great annoyance of the socialist liamentary debate yesterday was taken ders. Former European list leader Miet coalition partners and of his own party up by the filibustering of the Vlaams Smet is transferring from the European executive (FF). Blok. No fewer than eighteen members list to second place on the regional list were registered to extend the debate. for East Flanders. ISABEL ALBERS - DE STANDAARD - www.fed-parl.be www.cdenv.be 10 FEBRUARY

focus on FLANDERS • 7 February - 13 February 2004 • Number 6 POLITICS 3

IMMIRGRANT VOTING RIGHTS STATE REFORM Dewael warns mayors Stubborn one-man of Brussels-Halle- campaign by De Gucht Vilvoorde district

leads to question marks FF EDITOR

22 mayors in the Brussels-Halle-Vilvo- uch to the dissatisfaction of the On Monday the VLD party leadership orde district are threatening with gov- M coalition partners, SP.A, PS and had approved the agreement within the ernmental disobedience if their district MR, VLD Chairman Karel De Gucht government that the tightening would is not divided before the regional and did after all submit his amendment for be implemented on the basis of a circu- European elections on 13 June. The the tightening of immigrant voting lar and not via an amendment to the mayors feel that a verdict of the Court rights to the Commission of Internal law. De Gucht is oblivious of any guilt: of Arbitration, which declared the dis- Affairs in the House. But, as expected, ‘I am merely implementing what con- trict unconstitutional, supports their it was voted out and immigrant voting gress decided on Saturday - we remain claim. The Court urges the legislator to rights were approved. With his one man opposed to immigrant voting rights in abolish a constituency that cuts right campaign De Gucht opposed an agree- parliament. My amendment is com- through the constitutional classifica- ment between his party leadership and pletely in line with that decision. It is tion of communities, regions, language the coalition partners. Does De Gucht's not a delaying tactic. My text can also regions and provinces as soon as possi- initiative point to a serious split be- be approved by the Senate within 14 ble (at the latest before the federal elec- tween the premier and the party chair- days.’ De Gucht denies that there is a tions of 2007). Yet, the Interior Minis- man? Or is there more to this (FF) ? problem between himself and the ter, Patrick Dewael (VLD), has issued a prime minister. ‘He is the VLD leader warning that mayors who do not ob- STEVEN SOMERS • HET LAATSTE within the government, for whom I serve their legal obligations during the NIEUWS • 12 FEBRUARY have the greatest respect. I am not at European elections could be suspended war with anyone, but I do notice the or unseated. According to the minister The SP.A concludes as follows: ‘From 'spin' being created around me.’ mayors are entitled to express an opin- now on we will differentiate between ion on a political question, but this the VLD party and its chairman. We should not affect the political rights of continue to put our faith in the party, their citizens. but I would rather not make any state- www.arbitrage.be ments about its chairman,’ states SP.A member of the house, Philip De Coene. Meanwhile all is not well between Pre- mier Verhofstadt and Karel De Gucht.

FOREIGN POLICY la and his transition government are not completely in control in Kinshasa. Reserved reactions after UN representative Monuc, continues Kabila's to monitor events. NEWCOMERS IN FLANDERS (2003) FF EDITOR trepreneurs to reinvest in the Congo. WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? He maintained that he would be able to n 10 February the Congolese head guarantee the safety of these compa- 1 morocco 4,057 2 3,924 of state, Joseph Kabila, staged an nies. For the time being the Association O 3 russia 2,147 historic address to the Belgian Senate. of Belgian Companies (VBO) still con- 4 yougoslavia 1,863 He appealed for a stop to the disputes of siders the peace rather fragile. Further- 5 1,757 many years with Belgium relating to its more, the VBO has not received suffi- 6 1,666 colonial past and the murder of Patrice cient guarantees that the Congolese 7 congo 1,134 Lumumba, in order to concentrate on government's debts with Belgian com- 8 india 1,073 future Belgian/Congolese cooperation. panies have been settled and that the 9 usa 999 10 iran 755 He even paid homage to the colonial pi- black economy, which flourished dur- 11 france 706 oneers. According to Kabila biographer, ing the war, has been brought to an end. 12 germany 670 Erik Kennes in De Morgen (11 February) There are some positive signals, how- 13 uk 649 that was at least a radical U-turn from ever. As a result of a new certification 14 afghanistan 640 his father's philosophy, who was a fer- system and the more stringent Con- 15 ghana 597 vent Lumumba supporter. To put an of- golese controls the official export of di- 16 algeria 571 ficial seal on the new course of action amonds from Congo has doubled to 640 17 philippines 495 18 bulgaria 490 Kabila even invited King Albert for an million dollars, reports Christian Diet- 19 thailand 485 official visit, which was however de- rich, expert for the International Peace 20 iraque 455 clined. Information Service (IPIS) in Antwerp

Kabila was here mainly to convince en- (De Standaard, 12 February). But Kabi- SOURCE: HET LAATSTE NIEUWS

focus on FLANDERS • 7 February - 13 February • Number 6 4 POLITICS

PARTIES ELECTIONS Reactions following Conference decides VLD the opinion poll

remains in government ollowing the gains in the opinion Enthusiastic conference participants described the event as a milestone F polls in De Standaard, in which in internal party democracy and a catharsis following months of CD&V emerges as the largest and its internal division major competitor VLD received a dressing down, Yves Leterme is predict- ore than 83% of VLD members That means we will vote out the prime ing in De Standaard (7 February) that M present at the party conference at minister and create a government cri- the Liberals and Socialists will main- the Heizel in Brussels opted for contin- sis! We will suffer huge losses!’ was his tain the current coalition between red, ued government participation and for a emotional appeal to the conference. He blue and green if necessary at any cost. valorisation of the coalition agreement received a standing ovation. De Cler- The statements made by Minister-Pres- with the governing partners. Initially cq's plea also touched a chord in the ident Somers (7 February) in Gazet van the opponents of government participa- next speaker, Guy Verhofstadt. He Antwerpen also point in that direction tion had the most sway. Annick De Rid- stammered that he was ‘greatly moved’ (FF). der, chairwoman of Young VLD by the appeal from the man he consid- Antwerp, the department that managed ered to be his political father, who had BART BRINCKMAN/BART DOBBELAERE • to collect the necessary signatures made his way to the conference even DE STANDAARD • 7 FEBRUARY (1150) to convene the conference, re- though his wife was seriously ill. With quested her party to table the dossier emotion in his voice and tears in his The CD&V likes to condemn the elec- with the government and to wait and eyes the prime minister started to ad- toral deception in particular by the see whether the coalition partners dress the conference. He listed the SP.A. He does not intend to be guilty of SP.A-Spirit, PS and MR were really pre- achievements of his government, this sin. If he is elected he will join the pared to bring down the government on evoked the spectre of the Christian de- , although that is the issue of immigrant voting rights. mocrats returning to government, re- not actually his intention. His main Three hours of discussions demonstrat- turned to the start of his political career aim is to break up the majority. ‘We do ed that the majority of those present and decided to ask for a vote of confi- not intend to sell our souls merely to were against immigrant voting rights, dence from the conference ‘for the sev- help out. But I have no illusions - they but that there was no consensus on enth time in my life’. The question will only ask us if they cannot live which conclusions the party should then was how large the majority would without us. The Socialists and Liberals draw from this. But then Willy De Cler- be that would reject the proposal to have agreed to continue after 13 June. If cq, member of the European Parliament turn immigrant voting rights into a they have to, they will include the and erstwhile chairman of the PVV government issue and how many liber- greens. Consequently, the voter can (that changed its name into VLD in als would be prepared to vote ‘against vote again for a few more years of pur- 1992) for many years, took to the ros- their prime minister’. In a state of eu- ple-green, as is the case now. Or for us - trum. In an emotional appeal to party phoria the conference almost unani- a stronger, more credible and more seri- members he asked them to support Ver- mously approved both resolutions ous government. Not just flashy, but hofstadt and his government. He re- tabled by Young VLD Antwerp, which producing results.’ However, progress ceived a standing ovation. Then the implies that VLD is now demanding a should be possible in the Flemish Gov- prime minister, visibly moved to tears, referendum on immigrant voting ernment, even if the Federal Govern- addressed the audience. He asked for rights. ment remains purple. ‘This type of and received the conference's vote of asymmetric government will appear confidence. In an outburst of ‘fair play’ Opinion sooner or later,’ states Leterme. Annick De Ridder, who tabled the mo- tion, then admitted defeat and joined ERIC DONCKIER • the majority. Enthusiastic conference PAUL GEUDENS • GAZET VAN ANTWERPEN • 7 FEBRUARY participants later described the event as GAZET VAN ANTWERPEN • 9 FEBRUARY a milestone in internal party democra- Minister-President Somers: ‘If the voter cy and a catharsis following months of Credit where credit is due. The VLD honours all four of the departing Flem- internal division. (FF). conference was directed to perfection. ish governing parties, it is natural that With exceptional actors. Willy De Cler- this coalition will occur. If the voter de- LUC STANDAERT • HET BELANG VAN cq's emotional plea was a masterly cides to rearrange the cards, we will LIMBURG • 9 FEBRUARY move and a brilliant performance. If have to adapt. Guy Verhofstadt has al- anyone within VLD holds sway with ready voted for purple, also at Flemish implicitly addressed the dark blue, conservative old guard, it level. Somers can identify with Verhof- the conference participants as ‘the wise is Willy De Clercq. His intervention re- stadt. The same coalition at all govern- old man’ and implored them not to ap- moved any remaining doubts. De Cler- ment levels makes governing easier. prove the motion of Young VLD cq managed to convince many of the But other coalitions at different levels Antwerp. ‘If you vote for the resolution minor critics and enabled Verhofstadt should also be possible. I think we it will be a motion of distrust against to continue in government. should finally start to respect the logic the party executive! Then the execu- www.vld.be of federalism. Obviously we will have tive will have to go! This will create a to get used to it initially, but you can major crisis within the party just a few get used to anything.’ weeks before the regional elections!

focus on FLANDERS • 7 February - 13 February 2004 • Number 6 JUSTICE AND ECONOMY 5

POLICE FORCE ed that the coalition agreement that Criticism of police reform, provides for the additional recruitment of 2,500 police men/women would be implemented ASAP. The socialist par- also in government circles ties are being pushed by their mayors, Both the PS and SP.A recently demanded that the coalition agreement who have been complaining for a while that provides for the additional recruitment of 2,500 police men/women that the police reforms are costing local would be implemented ASAP authorities too much and their citizens are not rewarded with more men in he Brussels examining magistrate, federal police is related to the success, blue on the beat. T Damien Vandermeersch, is of the or failure of the integration of the vari- www.politie.be opinion that police operations are even ous forces. The federal police has re- worse than during the Dutroux affair. mained too much of a ‘gendarmerie’. As Vandermeersch feels that the gigantic a result it continues to struggle with a AVIATION bureaucratic mill prevents the federal very rigid, hierarchic and bureaucratic police from operating successfully in organisation, in which former members BelgiumExel takes on the field and an urgent police reform of the CID still feel orphaned, have nev- long distance flights evaluation is required. His colleague in er integrated nor disarmed. Not only do for Thomas Cook Hasselt, Marc Rubbens, does not agree. former CID members feel discriminat- He thinks that the figures prove that ed against, according to the Arbitration the crime solution rate is much higher Court they are, which implies that FF EDITOR than before the reforms. He also feels parts of the new police statute will have that the rivalry between forces - CID to be rewritten. Following the bankruptcy of Sobelair (criminal police) and gendarmerie have The federal Interior Minister, Patrick another newcomer has entered the Bel- been incorporated in the federal force - Dewael (VLD), has proposals to deal gian aviation market. From the end of has disappeared. Brice De Ruyver, safe- with the objections of the Arbitration this month BelgiumExel, part of the ty advisor to Prime Minister Verhofs- Court and to introduce more flexibility Dutch aviation concern Exel Aviation tadt and architect of the reform partial- into the rigid arrangements for night Group, will handle all flights for tour ly confirms Vandermeersch's criticism and weekend shifts. But the unions are operator Thomas Cook to Cuba, Mexi- in an interview in De Tijd (10 Febru- up in arms and intend to take action. co, the Dominican Republic, and ary). According to De Ruyver the local They feel that Dewael wants to under- Zanzibar. After the demise of Sobelair police organisation has caught up with mine their recently acquired statute. Thomas Cook, which provided more the federal police within a period of two More flexibility comes at a price, they than 30% of the charter company's years. The federal police was able to argue. And the objections of the Arbi- turnover, managed to cover part of the rely on the former structures of the gen- tration Court can only be met by dis- activities with its own aircraft, but was darmerie. connecting function and level, again at still looking for a partner for long dis- The safety advisor recognises that the the expense of the government. It seems tance flights. For the time being Bel- government is partly to blame for the that the police reforms will get even giumExel has based one Boeing 767-300 problems. The single statute is too more expensive. And that presents a in Belgium, which will be used exclu- complex. He is of the opinion that sim- problem in the political domain, in par- sively for Thomas Cook flights. The plification and flexibility are an ab- ticular if the huge funds already invest- two companies have signed an eigh- solute necessity. De Ruyver hopes that ed have not resulted in a significant im- teen-month agreement. The company the police unions and the Federal Inte- provement in performance from the has already announced that it has 50 rior Minister, Patrick Dewael (VLD), federal police. cabin crew vacancies. can still come to an agreement on this. www.thomascook.be The unions are planning a national BART EECKHOUT • DE MORGEN • protest march on 18 February. All nego- 11 FEBRUARY tiations with the unions have been sus- pended until that date (FF). The federal police itself does not accept this attack. ‘The management of the Opinion federal police feels that this criticism of its operations is unjust and over simpli- STEFAAN HUYSENTRUYT • DE TIJD • fied,’ declares a brief statement. Police 10 FEBRUARY management is demanding an ‘urgent meeting’ with Prime Minister Verhofs- The police reforms cost an arm and a tadt and Ministers Dewael and Onke- leg. The final figure amounts to 325 mil- linx. Top police management is not lion euros on an annual basis, or almost happy in particular with the criticism three times the 125 million euros origi- relating to bureaucracy. The criticisms nally allocated. With the local police of Vandermeersch and De Ruyver have the price/quality ratio of the reform is focused political attention back on to less than optimum but at least the ratio the police reform problems. Their criti- is positive. Not so with the federal po- cal remarks coincide with another sur- lice where matters are worse than be- facing criticism from socialist govern- fore the reforms. The difference in per- ment side. formance between the local and the Both the PS and SP.A recently demand-

focus on FLANDERS • 7 February - 13 February • Number 6 6 ECONOMY AND MOBILITY

COMPANIES the basis of a loan that can be converted into capital. This of course reinforces Gores acquires 83% share the watering-down effect. Overall Gores is investing approximately 30 in Real Software million euros in the takeover of Real Software. ollowing an assumption of debt, ones. This provides the American fund An important aspect is the fact that the F which will be converted into a cap- with an 83% interest in the 181.44 mil- agreement between Gores and the ital increase, the Gores Technology lion shares. banks is conditional upon Gores receiv- Group (GTG) will acquire an 83% With Gores the watering-down effect is ing backing for the debt contribution share in Real Software. The American more significant than in the scenario from the old Real Software sharehold- investment fund has reached an agree- based on a contribution by the banks, as ers, including Rudy Hageman, the ASQ ment with the banks on the surrender was proposed in November of last year. branch and Anthylis (Luxembourg). of Real Software's bank debt. The latter Gores contributes considerably more Gores also needs to reach an agreement amounted to 200 million euros. This is debt, but at a higher exchange rate, i.e., with Hageman, ASQ and the French on condition, however, that it can ob- 1.02 euros per share or in excess of yes- Real Software branch. The company tain backing from the old shareholders terday's stock market quotation of 0.70 has until the extraordinary annual gen- and non-banking creditors (FF). euros. Gores is maintaining a debt of 45 eral meeting (6 April) to obtain the nec- million euros in Real Software and is al- essary agreements. The annual figures PASCAL DEN DOOVEN • lowing the company a two year pay- for 2003 will not be published until 27 DE STANDAARD • 12 FEBRUARY ment delay for capital repayments (un- February. til June 2006) and interest payments. www.gores.com Gores will contribute 155 million eu- Real Software is entitled to repay the 45 www.realsoftware.be ros of the nominal debt as a capital in- million-euro debt completely within crease. As a result Gores acquires 151 the first two years at a 50% discount. million new Real Software shares as Gores is also injecting 10 million euros opposed to the 30.44 million existing working capital into Real Software, on

TRANSPORT free of charge as an alternative to the Kennedy tunnel, for the duration of the Antwerp Companies ask for refurbishment, between June and No- vember 2004 and May and October free Liefkenshoektunnel 2005. According to Unizo top man, , companies are extremely un- n 10 February the first major fic problems the railways have devel- happy about the level of communica- O preparations were set in motion oped an ambitious train plan for tion. ‘Communications about the for the complete refurbishment of all Antwerp with additional trains and sta- preparatory work came too late. And lanes of the Antwerp ring road (R1), tions. Cost: 7.6 million euros. NMBS the information on rerouting, accessi- which will commence on 18 June. The has no money to implement the plan. bility and public transport availability ‘minimum hindrance’ works, as the The claims to is less than satisfactory.’ In order to as- preparatory operations are referred to, have invested more than enough in the sist companies in finding solutions for should ensure that the refurbishment ‘minimum hindrance’ operations and actual bottlenecks during the opera- of the Antwerp ring road does not create refers to the Federal Government for tions, Voka has set up an online pool of a traffic ‘heart attack’. However, on more funds. ‘It's about time that this experts, who will develop solutions at that same day miles and miles of traffic ping pong game between NMBS, the the request of companies via the Inter- jams created havoc near Merksem, federal and the regional government net, www.ondernemersnet.net. where operations started to introduce a came to an end,’ states Muyters. Voka www.voka.be www.unizo.be fourth lane on the ring road to and from and Unizo are also requesting that the the Netherlands. During a press confer- Liefkenshoek tunnel (LHT) be made ence Voka, the employers' alliance of the VEV and chambers of commerce, STATE EARNINGS FROM TABACCO (IN 1000 EURO) and Unizo, the Union of Independent Entrepreneurs, warned about succes- 1500 sive problems (FF).

MARC DE ROO • DE TIJD • 11 FEBRUARY 1000

Director designate of Voka, Philippe Muyters, wonders whether these prepa- 500 rations are in proportion to their impact on mobility. This month Muyters also demands clarification on the financing 0 of the NMBS plan. In order to absorb 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2003 some of the impact of the expected traf-

SOURCE: TRENDS

focus on FLANDERS • 7 February - 13 February 2004 • Number 6 ECONOMY AND MEDIA 7

COMPANIES shares on the open market via the Ubizen takeover battle is stockbrokers Puilaetco. It is estimated that Betrusted built up an interest of ap- proximately 4.5% before the capital in- becoming tense crease. On 9 February 1 million shares A poison pill was used against Ubidco in order to safeguard the chances transferred ownership. The share price of both bidders did not falter. On 11 February another half a million shares were traded before the supervisory body CBFA decided to he takeover battle for the network in Ubizen. The AGM must take place at suspend the share price. T protection company Ubizen, be- the latest by 25 February, i.e., before the Ubidco has not yet bought in the open tween the Ubidco financial consortium offer from Betrusted expires. But this market and its interest, disputed by and the American technology company was opposed by the Ubizen Board, some, has decreased from 38.17 to Betrusted, is becoming more tense and which on 11 February decided to in- 34.7% as a result of the capital increase. complicated by the day. The main crease the capital by 10% and to intro- Betrusted, which is estimated to be in shareholders of Ubizen include its duce these shares as a poison pill to the possession of 13%, can now prevent the founder, Stijn Bijnens, the University of opposing party, Betrusted. In other financial consortium from taking the Leuven and the Concentra press con- words the poison pill is used against reigns at the shareholders' meeting re- cern. Together they hold a 38.17% in- Ubidco in order to safeguard the quested by Ubidco. terest, which was injected at the time of chances of both bidders. The next day Because of the latest developments it is the public takeover bid for Ubidco. This Betrusted announced that is was in- now clear that Betrusted is to stay in financial consortium is offering 0.95 eu- creasing its bid from 1.20 to 1.32 euros the race for Ubizen. As a result the ros per Ubizen share. Meanwhile Con- (De Tijd, 13 February), as a result of small shareholder now holds complete- centra is demanding its shares back which the odds have increased consider- ly different cards. Ubizen is now a com- from Ubidco, as the American security ably in favour of the American technol- pany with an industrial shareholder company Betrusted had made a counter ogy company during the past few days. (Betrusted), a financial shareholder offer of 1.20 euros. Concentra could not (FF). (Ubidco) and in a strong financial posi- justify turning down the increased tion. The pressure to play safe and sell counteroffer to its shareholders. Ubidco PASCAL DENDOOVEN • DE STANDAARD the shares has now abated. It remains to replied it had no intention of returning • 12 FEBRUARY be seen how Ubidco will react. By judi- the shares. Furthermore, Ubidco tried to cial or financial means? Ubidco can de- get hold of Ubizen without submitting a The shares placed at Betrusted generate cide to launch an increased offer of 5% higher counteroffer by introducing a a benefit in Ubizen of 9.09% for the up to two days before closure of the Be- capital increase of 12 to 16 million euros counter bidder. However, Betrusted trusted bid. and appointing two new directors at an owns more shares of Ubizen. During www.ubizen.be extraordinary shareholder’s meeting, the past few days the Americans have www.betrusted.com with a view to gaining a majority share been buying a considerable number of

TELEVISION Dutch model, whereby advertising in- come is distributed between the vari- Minister Keulen appeals for ous broadcasting companies via the Stichting Etherreclame (Ster) (Advertis- permanent sports network ing in Broadcasting Foundation). With the proposal De Caluwé also foresees FF EDITOR VRT also wants to advertise on the net. an end to the bidding for expensive Flemish Media Minister, Marino sports rights between broadcasters (De At the end of this month the public Keulen, is in favour of the idea but pro- Morgen, 6 February). The broadcasters broadcasting company, VRT, will pub- poses to divide the advertising profits have reacted cautiously and are await- lish the name of the temporary Sports equally between VRT and VTM and ing a meeting with the minister. network that will be available on cable VT4, the commercial broadcasters. The With his proposal Keulen wants to pre- between 31 May and 3 September. The Flemish media decree needs to be vent sporting events from being broad- network was created in order to pro- amended in order to facilitate advertis- cast solely via pay channels such as gramme the huge range of sporting ing by the public broadcasting company. Canal + (Het Nieuwsblad, 7 February). events this summer. In addition to 125 www.vrt.be hours of European football cup and 85 But Keulen has an even more radical www.vtm.be hours of Olympic games, 160 hours of proposal, i.e., cooperation between the www.vt4.be cycling (with the Tour de France as the commercial and public broadcasting high point) and 125 hours of tennis companies in order to exploit a joint (Wimbledon, Roland Garros) will be pro- permanent sports network. The idea grammed. For the time being the VRT is originates from the Flemish MP Jan still struggling with a gap in the pro- Roegiers (Spirit). The opposition party grammes scheduled between 25 July and CD&V is also in favour and their media 13 August, when no multiple day sports specialist, De Caluwé, proposes to ex- events are scheduled to take place. tend the station on the basis of the

focus on FLANDERS • 7 February - 13 February • Number 6 8 CULTURE

• 20 February: Artis Quartet and Ste- and History, Jubelpark, Brussels; fan Vladar with Mozart, Mendelsohn info: www.kmkg-mrah.be Diary and Schumann, Handelsbeurs, ; • Until 10 March: Icons of Flemish De- info: www.handelsbeurs.be sign, Lokettenzaal, Flemish Parlia- MUSIC, DANCE THEATRE • 21 February: Sexteto Mayor (Arg), ment, Brussels; concert; Zuiderpershuis, Antwerp; info www.vlaamsparlement.be info: www.zuiderpershuis.be • Until 30 May: Human, all too hu- Defilharmonie conduct- • 16 February: • 22 February: Piet Kuyken, Olivier man, photo exhibition on psychiatry, ed by Daniele Calegari with Stravin- Robbe, Judit Morvay and Rajmund Museum Dr. Guislain, Ghent; sky and Strauss, Koningin Elisabeth- Glowczynski with Mozart and Schu- info: www.museumdrguislain.be zaal, Antwerp; info: 0900/00311 mann, OL-Vrouwekapel, Antwerp; info • Until 31 March: Undercover, The Les musiciens du Lou- • 17 February: 0800/21.036 Prinzhorn Collection. The collection vre-Grenoble conducted by Marc • 23 February: Flemish Radio Orches- was abused by the Nazi’s to build the Minkovsky, GF Haendel, Arcis and tra conducted by Jan Latham-Koenig exhibition ‘Degraded Art’; exhibition, Galatea, PSK, Brussels; with Chopin and Janacek, PSK, Brus- Museum Dr. Guislain, Ghent; info : www.bozar.be sels; info: www.bozar.be info: www.museumdrguislain.be Eric Watson (piano) and • 17 February: • 24 February: Dropkick Murphys, AB, • Until 25 April: The art of the Islam, Bojan Zulfikarpasic (piano) , double Brussels; info: www.abconcerts.be exhibition, Museum of the Cinquante- concert, De Singel, Antwerp; 02.548.24.24 naire, Parque du Cinquantenaire, info: 03/248.28.28 www.desingel.be • 26 February: Damien Rice, AB, Brus- Brussels Ilya and Naum Grubert • 18 February: sels; info: www.abconcerts.be • Until 9 May: Fernand Khnopff, retro- (piano) and Dimitri Ferschtman (vio- 02.548.24.24 spective exhibition, KMSK, Brussels; lincello) with Brahms, De Singel, • 27 February: Anima Eterna conduct- info: Antwerp; info: 03/248.28.28 ed by Jos Van Immerseel, WA Mozart, • Until 21 March: Dream extensions www.desingel.be concertos and 40th symphony, Concert- with Mariko Moro, Jane & Louise Ricardo Bartis, El • 18 to 22 February: gebouw, Bruges; info: www.concertge- Wilson, Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven, Sportivo Teatral (Argent), Spanish spo- bouw.be Georgina Starr, SMAK, Ghent; ken, supertitles in French and Dutch, • 27 February: Sergej Leiferkus and info: www.smak.be De Singel, Antwerp; info: 03/248.28.28 Simion Skigin with songs by • Until 29 February: Once upon a www.desingel.be Tchaikovsky, Borodin, Rachmaninov time, Belgian art in the nineties, Prague in Brussels, • 19 to 23 February: and Moussorgski, Flanders Opera, MUHKA, Antwerp; PSK, Brussels; info: www.bozar.be Antwerp; info: www.desingel.be info: www.muhka.be Prazak Quartet • 19 February: with • 28 February: Mauro & The Grooms, • Until 29 February: Stalking Hiërony- Suk, Janacek and Dvorak, Conservato- Handelsbeurs, Ghent; info: www.han- mus with works by Hans Vandekerck- ry, Brussels;info: www.bozar.be delsbeurs.be hove, Anselm Kiefer and AR Penck, The Nits • 19 February: , Handelsbeurs, • 28 February: Finado, A Freak out, PMMK, Ostend; info: www.pmmk.be Ghent; info: www.handelsbeurs.be Ethiopian music, De Vooruit, Ghent; • Until 23 March: Henry Lacoste, Art Urna Chagar, Tugchi • 19 February: info: www.vooruit.be 09/267.28.28 Deco, exhibition Museum for Archi- (Mongolia) , concert, Zuiderpershuis, • 28 February: Champ d’action and tecture, Elsene (Brussels) Antwerp; info: www.zuiderpershuis.be Slagwerkgroep Den Haag with Philip • Until 29 February: 100 years, Magdalena Kozena • 20 February: Glass and Steve Riley, Concertgebouw, 100 objects, Design Museum, Ghent (mezzosoprano) and Malcolm Mar- Bruges; info: www.concertgebouw.be • Until 14 February: l’Eau et les Rêves, tineau with Mahler, Dvorak, Rösler exhibition with Israelian and Palestin- and Ravel; Conservatory, Brussels; EXPO ian artists; Witte Zaal, Ghent; info: www.bozar.be info: 09/225.42.90 Prague Philharmonia • 21 February: • Until 28 March: Genovanversae- • 13 February to 4 April: B-Architects, conducted by Jiri Belohlavek with viceversa, exhibition about Fashion, exhibition De Singel, Antwerp; info: Dvorak, Conservatory, Brussels; Antwerp and Genova, Fashion Muse- 03/248/28/28 www.desingel.be info: www.bozar.be um, Antwerp; info: 03/470.27.70 www.momu.be • Until 29 February: , Art and culture from prehistorian times to to- day, exhibition, Royal Museum of Art

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

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k Cauwelaert (director Knack), Wim Coessens (Man- u • Responsible editor: aging director, De Morgen), Frans Crols (Director, Luc Demeester, Marke Trends), Francis Decoster (Information Officer, • Subscription rate by post and e-mail: 220 euro Flemish Community), Mark Deweerdt (Journalist, Focus on Flanders provides a weekly • Either transfer the sum to account no.: Financieel-Economische Tijd), Michael Stabenow 472-1010001-19 with the KBC in Roeselare overview of articles from the Flemish press (Correspondent, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung), Or give us the number and expiry date of your cred- Luc Standaert (Journalist, Belang van Limburg), Jan and appears in English, French and German. it card (Visa/Eurocard): Van Doren (Deputy Director, Vlaams Economisch This newsletter is published Telephone: 051/42.42.99 Verbond), Bernard Bulcke (De Standaard) Fax: 051/40.11.52 • With thanks to: Concentra nv, De Vlijt nv, de by Uitgeverij Lannoo nv, E-mail: [email protected] Vlaamse Uitgeversmaatschappij nv, De Persgroep Kasteelstraat 97, 8700 Tielt nv, Uitgeversbedrijf Tijd nv and Roularta Media and can also be obtained Group nv and their editorial teams for supplying the articles. by e-mail.

focus on FLANDERS • 7 February - 13 February 2004 • Number 6