Mayor of Hasselt resigns amid allegations of conflict of interest

There has been controversy in the past over Claes’ engagement with other city staff, and last year a court dropped charges against her of falsifying documents in 2013. The case had to do with whistle-blowers in the administration who were fired amid claims of corruption in the police zone Hasselt-Zonhoven-Diepenbeek.

This week it was reported that Claes (pictured) had used the city's official billboards and magazine to announe a private event and had awarded a contract for a promotional campaign to the partner of her chief of staff.

Socialist party president John Crombez visited Hasselt yesterday with a team of party leaders, but a solution could not be reached. It became clear that Claes would have to step aside; she was even advised to do so by her father, former minister and Nato chief Willy Claes.

“My decision comes from my heartfelt feelings for Hasselt and her people,” Claes wrote in a farewell statement. “They deserve the best. They deserve a mayor who can take care of their interests without baggage and without conditions.” 

New mayor Vananroye was the city councillor in charge of welfare, families and seniors. She also chairs the board of the local Jessa Hospital. “I don’t want the city to become ungovernable,” she said in a statement. “That’s why I have accepted my party’s request to take over the reins.”

Photo: François de Ribaucourt