Paul Furlan, a prominent socialist politician from Wallonia, has passed away at the age of 60 due to cancer. Despite his illness, Furlan received 23,000 preferential votes in the 2019 regional elections and served as a Walloon deputy in recent years. He was also president of the Conférence des Bourgmestres de Charleroi Métropole, a voluntary position he held to advocate for Charleroi and its residents against governmental powers. Previously, Furlan was the mayor of Thuin and served as Minister of Local Authorities, Tourism, Energy and Housing from 2009 to 2017. However, he resigned following the Publifin scandal, in which elected officials received high sums of money for meetings. Despite this, Furlan is recognized for pushing for various initiatives such as the “decumulation” decree, which prevents elected officials from centralizing powers and the implementation of a “rent grid” to prevent private landlords from overcharging tenants. Furlan also enjoyed cooking and was known for his sense of adventure, conducting interviews while hiking up mountains. He leaves behind two daughters and is mourned by a close circle of friends and colleagues. The editorial staff extends their condolences to Furlan’s loved ones.
Paul Furlan, Walloon socialist politician, died at the age of 60. He was taken away by a dazzling cancer.
Highly appreciated by his voters, he still collected 23,000 preferential votes in 2019 in the regional elections. In recent years, he was a Walloon deputy and on the side – on a voluntary basis – president of the Conférence des Bourgmestres de Charleroi Métropole, a structure of 30 municipalities bringing together 600,000 inhabitants, which he had fought to set up a few years earlier in order to better defend the Charleroi territory facing the Walloon and federal governments, as well as Europe. Before that, he held the seat of mayor of Thuin, in 2012 then in 2018, before leaving his place in 2020 to Marie-Eve Van Laethem to devote himself more to his family.
Outside his heart of Thudinia, Paul Furlan is best known for his position as Minister of Local Authorities, Tourism, Energy and Housing. Position he held from 2009 to 2017, until his resignation following the Publifin scandal, this intermunicipal company where elected officials received astronomical sums for meetings (up to €500/minute). A scandal for which he shared the political responsibility because of his “guardianship” power which should have noticed and prevented these deviations. But he is also recognized for his participation in the renewal of the Code of Local Democracy, in particular the “decumulation” decree to prevent elected officials from centralizing powers. He also pushed – during his various mandates – for the application of a “rent grid” in order to prevent private landlords from abusing the prices charged. This grid now exists, but it is indicative.
On the private side, Paul Furlan leaves behind two young daughters. He was also a fighter: he sometimes answered requests for interviews from the top of one mountain or another, in the middle of a hike. He loved cooking and good food. He was very close to a series of elected officials – socialists, carolos and hauniers in particular – who we know are deeply affected by his sudden illness and then his disappearance.
The editorial staff offers its condolences to the family and loved ones of Paul Furlan.
Paul Furlan was a respected and appreciated politician, loved by his voters and colleagues. His sudden death due to cancer is a great loss for the political world, especially in Thudinia, where he held various positions for the betterment of the Charleroi territory. Despite the Publifin scandal, he will be remembered as a fighter for good governance and a believer in the importance of local democracy. Paul Furlan’s legacy will continue to inspire politicians to work towards better societies. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.