The leaked audio clip of a conversation between a journalist from the RTBF, and Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of the Mouvement Réformateur (MR-Reformist Movement) has focused attention on both the politician and the public broadcaster.
The clip ends abruptly, with Bouchez apparently losing his temper and uttering a phrase that could be seen as a threat.
The incident stems from an article, published in late July on the RTBF’s website, that was based on an investigation by Le Vif magazine. The article claimed that a vehicle occasionally driven by Bouchez and his partner was temporarily issued with an invalid disabled parking badge, leading to multiple parking fines.
Article's retraction requested
However, the article contained several factual errors that wrongly linked Bouchez and his partner to the misuse of the badge.
Angered by the inaccuracies, Bouchez contacted another RTBF journalist to request the article’s retraction. According to L’Avenir newspaper, several people witnessed part or all of this call for the first time on Saturday.
The leaked extract captured Bouchez telling the journalist to “send” the article’s author to him and adding: “I promise you they will be well received and might need a card afterwards.”
Some interpreted this remark as a threat against the journalist’s person and press freedom, suggesting that Bouchez had implied that the author would require a disability badge after their meeting. Bouchez later clarified to L’Avenir that he was referring to a press card, not a mobility card.
Apology, corrections, but the RTBF denies it caved
The RTBF republished the article with corrections and reportedly apologised to Bouchez, according to L’Avenir, although it did not comment on the matter when questioned by the newspaper.
Following significant social media discussions about the audio leak, the RTBF finally responded on Sunday, denying that it had bowed to pressure. Spokesperson Axelle Pollet explained to Belga News Agency that the corrections were made to enhance precision. She also noted that the article was a collective effort, and not the work of a single author.
Boulevard Reyers, the RTBF headquarters, has sought to de-escalate the tension, advocating for constructive journalism. The broadcaster stated that it did not support the “incomplete” audio recording’s creation or distribution, nor was it responsible for it. It also said no internal investigation has been launched to find the source of the leak, but that it might consider launching one in due course.
Bouchez himself has not commented directly on the issue but has frequently reposted comments questioning both the legality and the journalistic ethics involved.
