Bernard Clerfayt, born on December 30, 1961, in Uccle, stands as a prominent Belgian politician, assuming the mayoral office of Schaerbeek in 2001 while concurrently serving as the vice-president of the Front Démocratique des Francophones (FDF). Bernard Clerfayt has occupied a seat in the federal Belgian Chamber of Representatives since 2007, embracing the Belgian tradition of holding a dual mandate. 

Clerfayt graduated from the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) with a master’s degree in economics in 1986, paralleled by his tenure as a research assistant at the Centre for Economic Studies (Centrum voor Economische Studien) at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. He completed an internship at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., followed by roles in academia as a research and teaching assistant, ultimately earning esteemed chairs in macroeconomics and political economics at UCLouvain, the Faculties of Catholic Universities in Mons and the Faculties of Lille (1984-1997). He spent around a decade in academia, teaching macroeconomics and international economics at numerous Belgian universities, both French and Dutch-speaking.

Clerfayt entered politics in 1985, joining the local section in Schaerbeek before becoming mayor in 2001. He has since maintained a multifaceted political career, serving in various capacities, including Vice-president of the Brussels Regional Council and President of the Committee for Town and Country Planning and Land Policy. He assumed the mantle of Secretary of State for Finance in 2008, spearheading efforts to modernise the Department of Finance, implement green taxation initiatives, and combat tax fraud. Clerfayt’s re-election as mayor of Schaerbeek in 2012 underscores his enduring political influence and commitment to governance.

What is Bernard Clerfayt’s Political Party?

Bernard Clerfayt’s political party is DéFI. The party supports expanding Brussels’ bilingual position to certain municipalities in the Brussels Periphery (in Flemish Brabant, Flemish Region), where Dutch is the dominant language, but French is the predominant language. DéFI advocates for the rights of French speakers residing in Flemish municipalities to communicate with Dutch-speaking officials in French rather than Dutch. Flemish political parties hold opposing views on both positions. They advocate for the Dutch language to be taught to French-speaking residents of the Flemish Region and contend that the process of francizing Brussels must not expand further into the region. FDF party news about their name amendment happened in January 2010. The party name was amended to Francophone Democratic Federalists (Fédéralistes Démocrates Francophones) while maintaining its original acronym. 

The party changed its name to DéFI in November 2015. Clerfayt became Schaerbeek’s mayor in 2000 after the FDF (previously DéFI) won elections. The following constitutes Schaerbeek’s renewal confirmation: fiscal equilibrium, police reform, reorganisation of social assistance policy, and neighbourhood renovations. Bernard Clerfayt was Federal Secretary of State for Finance for nearly four years, starting in 2008. He led financial modernisation, tax fraud prevention, and environmental taxation projects.

What is Bernard Clerfayt’s Educational Background?

Bernard Clerfayt’s Educational Background is marked by earning a master’s degree in economics from the Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) in 1986. He worked concurrently as a research assistant at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven’s Center for Economic Studies (Centrum voor Economic Studies). He then transitioned to the IRES (Economic Analysis Service) at UCLouvain, where he embarked on a career as a teaching assistant and research assistant. His subsequent career included tenure at UCLouvain, Facultés Universitaires Catholiques de Mons, and Facultés Universitaires de Lille as chair in Macroeconomics and Political Economics.

How did Bernard Clerfayt begin his career?

Bernard Clerfayt began his career in politics after dedicating several years to scientific research, teaching, and an internship at the International Monetary Fund research department. Bernard took his initial steps in politics, transitioning to Schaerbeek in 1985, building upon a familial background in public service; his father, Georges Clerfayt, had been elected as a deputy to the Federal Parliament when Bernard was just nine years old. Bernard Clerfayt pursued a scientific career before entering politics, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in economics and teaching Macroeconomics and International Economics for nearly a decade across various Belgian universities, French-speaking and Dutch-speaking. The combination of academic expertise and early political exposure laid the foundation for Clerfayt’s multifaceted career.

When did Bernard Clerfayt become the Deputy Mayor of Schaerbeek?

Bernard Clerfayt became the Deputy mayor of Schaerbeek in 1985. He cemented his ties to the community by affiliating with the local section in Schaerbeek, marking the inception of his dedicated service to the region. Bernard Clerfayt has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the municipality and displayed astute leadership, leading him to the esteemed position of second Deputy Mayor in Schaerbeek, establishing himself as a critical figure in the development and governance of the municipality.

How was Bernard Clerfayt’s career developed in politics?

Bernard Clerfayt’s career development in politics is listed below.

• Joined the local unit in Schaerbeek: Clerfayt’s initiation into local politics began when he entered the Schaerbeek local unit in 1985.
• 2nd Deputy Mayor of Schaerdeek: Bernard Clerfayt’s growing power in Schaerbeek town was visible when he evolved into the 2nd Deputy Mayor in 1995.
• Mayor of Schaerdeek: Berard Clerfayt solidified his place as a leader in the local government in 2001 by becoming Mayor of Schaerbeek.
• Member of the Brussels Parliament: Bernard Clerfayt joined the Brussels Parliament in June 1989.
• Belgian Chamber of Representatives: Bernard Clerfayt attained recognition within the field of federal politics in 2007 with his election to the Belgian Chamber of Representatives.
• Secretary of State for Finance: Bernard Clerfayt became Secretary of State for Finance in 2008, undertaking major tasks like reforming the Department of Finance and adopting green taxation.
• Mayor of Schaerbeek: Clerfayt persistently held the position of Mayor of Schaerbeek in 2010, showcasing his dedication to municipal governance, notwithstanding his federal obligations.

What is Bernard Clerfayt’s current position in the Belgian Government?

Bernard Clerfayt’s current position in the Belgian government is as Minister of the Brussels-Capital Region. Bernard Clerfayt, Brussels-Capital Region Minister since July 18, 2019, has a diverse portfolio across three key Brussels organisations. His responsibilities include Employment and Professional Training, Digital Transition, Local Authorities, Animal Welfare, regional IT, and administrative simplification. He serves as a Member of the United College of the Common Community Commission (COCOM) and is responsible for coordinating family allowances, civil service matters, finances, budgets, external relations, and minors’ access to cinema theatres with the Minister of Community Affairs. Clerfayt oversees training and professional retraining, relevant educational institutions, and international contacts as a member of the Council of the French Community Commission (COCOF). 

What are the Important News about Bernard Clerfayt?

The important news about Bernard Clerfayt is listed below.

• Bernard Clerfayt, the mayor of Schaerbeek, played a significant role in coordinating efforts to ensure public safety in Brussels amid heightened security measures and a citywide lockdown following terror threats on November 23, 2015. Clerfayt addressed concerns about the presence of two suspected militants as the city remained on high alert for terrorists believed to be in the Brussels region, emphasising the need for vigilance and preemptive action to thwart potential attacks. Clerfayt stresses the importance of anticipating, preventing, and monitoring any impending threats in collaboration with regional politicians and law enforcement agencies. His statements to RTBF radio reflected a coordinated effort to disseminate crucial information to the public and maintain transparency amidst the ongoing security crisis. Clerfayt’s leadership and communication were instrumental in reassuring citizens and coordinating efforts to safeguard the community during a challenging time.
• Bernard Clerfayt, the mayor of Schaerbeek, played a pivotal role in the unfolding events on March 26, 2016, amidst the aftermath of the Brussels terror attacks. Belgian police, bolstered by heavily armed troops, conducted raids in the northern Brussels borough of Schaerbeek, resulting in the arrest of a suspect connected to the suicide bombings that rocked the city. Clerfayt confirmed the detainment of the suspect, as reported by Belgian public broadcaster RTBF, who was apprehended after sustaining injuries and was allegedly linked to the tragic events of Tuesday’s bombings. Witnesses recounted the tense scene, with police reportedly shooting the man at a tram stop while his daughter accompanied him. Controlled explosions were heard in the area, indicating the heightened security measures undertaken by authorities under Clerfayt’s jurisdiction during such a tumultuous time.
• Bernard Clerfayt, the guardian minister of Molenbeek, suspended the municipality’s tax on self-checkout cash registers, as reported by La Dernière Heure on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. The tax, amounting to 5,600 euros per cash register, was halted based on several arguments by Clerfayt. He highlighted that the availability of manned cash registers still allows customers to opt for human interaction if desired, thus negating claims of dehumanisation of work. Clerfayt emphasised that cashiers supervise self-checkouts, countering the municipality’s tax implementation rationale. The decision to suspend the tax aligns with the Brussels government’s commitment to digital transition in the region, as stated by Clerfayt. The move aims to prevent potential counterproductive consequences on the development of Brussels, as highlighted by the government’s decision. The Brussels Chamber of Commerce, Beci, had expressed opposition to the tax imposed by Molenbeek.
• Bernard Clerfayt, the Minister of Employment for Brussels, presented a preliminary ordinance on economic migration to the Brussels Parliament on December 5, 2023. The primary objective of such an initiative was to update and streamline current legislation to tackle labour shortages in the area effectively. It conforms to administrative practices and EU standards while accommodating changes to the state’s structure by harmonising provisions from two laws into a unified framework. The ordinance aims to enhance the economic interest and competitiveness of the Brussels Capital Region by facilitating foreign worker employment during periods of labour scarcity and establishing a solid legal framework. The proposition incited discussion, as groups such as the League of Domestic Workers and the Committee of Undocumented Workers voiced apprehensions regarding the inability of undocumented labourers to obtain the aforementioned permit. Minister Clerfayt clarified that the ordinance does not address regularisation concerns, underscoring the federal government’s exclusive jurisdiction concerning residence rights. Clerfayt intends to overcome obstacles in the labour market and provide legal certainty to employers and employees by implementing the legislative initiative.
• Bernard Clerfayt, along with regional Animal Welfare Ministers Ben Weyts and Céline Tellier, spearheaded the ‘Call to Care for Animal Welfare’ event held in Brussels on January 29, 2024, marking a concerted effort to elevate animal welfare concerns on the European agenda. The event, which drew policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from various European member states, underscored the pressing need to prioritise animal welfare initiatives at the European level. Clerfayt’s active involvement in organising the event reflected his commitment to championing animal welfare causes and driving meaningful legislative change. Participants discussed key themes, including the economic viability of implementing enhanced welfare standards and innovative approaches to breeding practices. Clerfayt’s leadership, alongside his regional counterparts, emphasised the imperative of collective action to address animal welfare challenges comprehensively. Clerfayt sought to galvanise support for tangible reforms that ensure the well-being of animals across Europe by calling for heightened attention to animal welfare issues on both a regional and EU level.

What is Bernard Clerfayt’s Net Worth?

Bernard Clerfayt’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. The esteemed Belgian politician has seen a significant increase in his net worth in 2022-2023, reflecting his continued success and influence in the political sphere. Clerfayt’s income stems predominantly from his public service and governance role, which he is known for for his dedication and strategic leadership. His noteworthy contributions to the political landscape of <a href=”https://brusselsmorning.be/belgium-news/”>Belgium</a> underscore his stature as a prominent figure in politics.

What are Bernard Clerfayt’s Political Ideas?

Bernard Clerfayt’s political ideas revolve around proactive leadership, public safety, and social and economic welfare. Clerfayt adopts a proactive stance in addressing neighbourhood concerns and managing public safety operations, notably in response to the Brussels terror attacks and the subsequent citywide lockdown in November 2015, underscoring his dedication to security as demonstrated during his tenure as Schaerbeek mayor and Brussels minister. His recent ‘Call to Care for Animal Welfare’ event in January 2024 exemplifies his commitment to progressive policies benefiting all residents, including animals. Clerafyt’s legislative initiatives addressing economic migration and labour shortages underscore his proactive approach to fostering economic growth and stability in the Brussels Capital Region. Bernard Clerfayt champions progressive beliefs and initiatives while prioritising safety, welfare, and economic development for his community.