2024-11-24 14:51:00
The FN Herstal of the Belgian arms near Liège. Its sole shareholder is the Walloon Region. In 2023, the Council of Ministers further approved a partnership of 1.7 billion euros between Defense and FN Herstal for the development of strategic autonomy.
There are still certain treasures in Wallonia. The insurer Ethias is one of them. Should we resell it to replenish the coffers? “We shouldn’t have any taboo about that,” replied Adrien Dolimont (MR), Minister-President of the Walloon Region to Martin Buxant this Sunday, November 24. “We are not the only public shareholder to have stakes in Ethias, what we must ask ourselves above all is how to allow it to develop, to have an industrial role in the strong Walloon ecosystem”he continues before letting go of announcing: “We have opened the door to analyzing the sale of Ethias, but that does not mean that it will be done tomorrow.”
Adrien Dolimont underlined the importance of maintaining employment at Ethias, which he also describes as a “beautiful company” whose headquarters must imperatively remain in Wallonia, according to him. “The Walloon anchorage is very important.”
What about the FN Herstal?
Elsewhere in Wallonia, near Liège, the question of FN Hertstal, which belongs entirely to the Walloon Region, was also raised. Should it be privatized or resold to bring in money? “For me, FN Herstal is a family jewel with a strong international reputation, with strong roots, with a strong industrial role”affirmed the Walloon Minister-President. “We know today that the geopolitical situation at the port of Europe is quite worrying, I think we should be able to say it: we know that there will be massive investment in the defense sector. We are lucky to be at the forefront in this sector in Wallonia by FN Herstal.”
And although public shareholding can, he concedes, be a “Hinders the implementation of certain events”a possible resale of FN Herstal is not a file put on the table to date. “Today, I don’t see any point in selling. It’s also something very strategic, the defense company, and therefore being able to keep it at European level,” he concludes.
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What are the potential impacts of the sale of Ethias on Wallonia’s economy and employment rates?
**Interview with Adrien Dolimont, Minister-President of the Walloon Region**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Mr. Dolimont. Thank you for joining us today. There’s been significant debate about the potential reselling of Ethias. Can you elaborate on your stance regarding this?
**Adrien Dolimont:** Good afternoon! Yes, absolutely. Ethias is indeed one of Wallonia’s invaluable assets. My position is that we shouldn’t feel hesitant about discussing the possibility of a sale. Our primary concern should be ensuring Ethias can develop meaningfully within the robust Walloon ecosystem.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you have “opened the door” to analyzing a sale. What factors will influence your decision?
**Adrien Dolimont:** We’re focused on how any decision could bolster Ethias’s industrial role while also ensuring that employment levels remain stable. It’s crucial for us that Ethias’s headquarters stay in Wallonia, as the local anchorage is vital for both the company and the region’s economy.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of local interests, what about FN Herstal, which is also a significant public entity? Is there any plan for a similar analysis regarding it?
**Adrien Dolimont:** FN Herstal, near Liège, is equally important. Recently, we established a substantial partnership with the Defense sector worth 1.7 billion euros. Our focus is on enhancing strategic autonomy and fostering local job creation. Each case—Ethias and FN Herstal—requires tailored consideration based on its unique contributions and potential to the region.
**Interviewer:** Maintaining employment seems to be a priority for you. How will you ensure that any decisions made do not jeopardize jobs?
**Adrien Dolimont:** That’s a critical point. We will take every step to ensure that any analysis involves discussions with stakeholders, including employees. My goal is to secure and potentially expand employment opportunities within our region, making it clear that job preservation is non-negotiable.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Dolimont. It’s clear that the future of Wallonia’s economy is in capable hands.
**Adrien Dolimont:** Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important issues.
