Brussels (Brussels Morning – June 20, 2022) Former Minister of Welfare Wouter Beke (CD&V) faced scrutiny today as he testified before the childcare inquiry committee. Accusations of negligence and a lack of accountability surfaced during the proceedings. Flemish Member of Parliament Ilse Malfroot condemned Beke’s demeanor, stating, “His lack of awareness of guilt was shocking to see,” further alleging that his actions highlighted the prioritization of party interests over public welfare.
Does Beke Acknowledge Responsibility?
In the final public session of the childcare inquiry committee held at the Flemish Parliament, Wouter Beke addressed his resignation on May 12, citing internal party political dynamics as a factor. Despite multiple complaints regarding daycare center ‘t Sloeberhuisje, Beke dismissed personal responsibility, asserting that ministers should not intervene in individual cases, but rather trust in administrative processes.
“I had hoped that Wouter Beke, now that he is no longer minister, would have had enough time to think about the chaos in the daycare centers, but he still lacks any sense of guilt,” remarked Malfroot, expressing dismay at Beke’s refusal to accept culpability.
Is Beke Absolved of Ministerial Responsibility?
While Beke attempted to deflect blame onto his administration, his response regarding Katrien Verhegge, the leading official of the Growing Up agency, raised eyebrows. Beke acknowledged errors on Verhegge’s part but evaded questions regarding her suitability to lead the agency. Malfroot criticized Beke’s ambiguity, suggesting that it reflects a broader pattern of avoidance.
For Vlaams Belang, Beke’s testimony underscored a stark reality: his resignation as minister was not motivated by a sense of accountability but rather by political expediency. Malfroot concluded, “It was simply a desperate attempt by his party to save the furniture after a disastrous poll for CD&V, which also cost the head of party chairman Joachim Coens. With this, Beke has definitively wrung ministerial responsibility.”
