Aalst city administration criticized over Grote Markt project disclosure

The political party Vooruit has criticized the Aalst city administration for its decision to present plans for the multi-million euro redevelopment of the Grote Markt to the press before informing the city council.

On September 7, Mayor Christoph D’Haese, Alderman Iwein De Koninck, and the project architect will hold a press event to detail the plans and timing of the works. The city council is not scheduled to be informed until a joint committee meeting on September 14.

Vooruit faction leader Ann Van de Steen described the move as a “fundamental lack of respect for local democracy,” arguing that elected representatives should be the first to be informed so they can fulfill their oversight roles regarding the use of taxpayer money. The opposition claims this is part of a structural pattern where the city administration bypasses the council to present decisions that have already been politically and communicatively finalized.