The Ecolo-Groen group in Molenbeek has sharply criticised the 2025 budget presented by the PS-PTB-Molenbeek Autrement majority, labelling it unstable and fragile.
Ecolo-Groen’s group leader Emre Sumlu said on Friday during debates in the municipal council, that the budget appeared ready to collapse at the first unforeseen event.
While recognising the end of the chronic overestimation of revenue, the ecologists argue that the budget merely conceals the scale of the financial crisis. Municipal council member Hilde Sagon noted that six years under the PS-MR majority had drained the commune’s coffers, and that the new administration only provided temporary fixes.
The Greens warn that police funding had been underestimated by €300,000, which may necessitate a rapid budget adjustment. Similarly, the social welfare centres' needs are projected at €5 million, but their grant has only increased to €3.4 million. The Ecolo-Groen leader said this reflected a lack of preparedness for the anticipated social challenges brought on by the Arizona coalition.
Ecolo-Groen is also critical of what it sees as a lack of ambition regarding climate and education. Investments in schools are deemed inadequate given the state of local infrastructure, and no strong measures are planned to address heatwaves or develop a cycling network, it notes.
In response to what it sees as a missed opportunity, the ecological group pledges to continue with constructive opposition, offering concrete proposals.
On Friday 20 June, the PS-PTB-Molenbeek Autrement majority defended what it described as a “resilience budget,” claiming it marked a turning point following three consecutive deficit budgets.
