“Belgium’s Minister of Tourism and Environment, Valerie De Bue, discusses climate goals, sustainable tourism, and debunking Wallonia stereotypes on LN24 and LN Radio”

2023-05-25 06:44:00

This Thursday morning, Valérie De Bue, was the guest of Martin Buxant on the airwaves of LN24 and LN Radio. First of all, she reacted to the comments of Alexander De Croo which caused a lively controversy. The latter suggested putting the fight for biodiversity and the environment on hold in order to achieve climate objectives. “I believe that Alexander De Croo spoke regarding a text which is currently under discussion in the European Parliament. Personally, I think that the climate challenge and safeguarding the environment are fundamental objectives. Belgium is committed to these objectives. To fulfill these objectives, other elements must be taken into account, namely respect for freedoms and the economic and social cohesion of our country. You have to achieve your goals with citizens and businesses and work in balance. It takes ambition and pragmatism,” a commented Valerie De Bue.

The Minister of Tourism then reacted to the impact of the drought on tourism in Wallonia. “We have a great ambition for tourism in Wallonia. Nature is what attracts tourists and Wallonia has become very attractive for visitors. In the investments put in place, tourism allows nature to be valued. Do the changes have a climate impact on tourism? No, thanks to the provisions put in place to combine the development of nature and tourism. We have sustainable and quality tourism”said the Minister.

She then mentioned the new rules which come into force for members of staff in Wallonia, who will be authorized to perform their services elsewhere than in the office, promoting coworking and teleworking. “The modernization of administrations is a priority. We must pursue our objectives in terms of simplifying procedures. The desire is to make the public service more attractive. Agents will be able to work in a space closer to home, which will limit their travel. This will have a positive impact on the environment and it will also allow agents to work together and be less isolated. These terms are being negotiated with the unions.said Valérie De Bue.

Before mentioning the notorious difference between Wallonia and Flanders in terms of road fines. In the north of the country, three times more fines are distributed to motorists. Walloon MPs criticize Wallonia for being too lax in terms of road safety. What Valérie De Bue denies: “There is no laxity in Wallonia, quite the contrary. I have always defended the creation of the federal road safety prosecutor’s office, the end of tolerances, the effectiveness of sanctions following controls. And when we compare the number of radars installed in relation to the number of inhabitants, we are completely comparable (to Flanders, editor’s note). I’ve had enough of this image of a lax Wallonia. I work there with the police and justice.”

Valérie De Bue also dismantled another criticism from Flanders, which accuses the Walloons of overloading the technical control centers, which generates large queues. “This is a completely false cliche. When we look at the figures for attendance at technical inspections over the past five years, we see an increase of 6% in Flanders and 12% in Wallonia and -16% in Brussels. In the Walloon resorts close to the linguistic border, there are many Walloons and people from Brussels. In Flanders, there are structural problems with technical controls. In Wallonia, there is a quality service”further comments the minister.

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