Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) defends his Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten (Groen), after MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez said there should be a commission of enquiry into how the extension of the nuclear power plants was handled.
Earlier this week, Bouchez said he wanted a commission of enquiry to look into how the extension of Belgium's nuclear power plants was handled by Van der Straeten and the then-CEO of high-voltage grid operator Elia, Chris Peeters.
"Everything happened in full transparency," De Croo said.
Last year, it was decided to keep two nuclear reactors open longer to ensure the security of supply. According to Bouchez, however, lies were told in the months leading up to that decision to insist on the nuclear exit after all – something that Van der Straeten and her party have long supported.
Rearguard action
"Whether Chris Peeters himself lied, I do not know, for that you need a commission of enquiry," he said in an interview. "But I am convinced that the Energy Minister instrumentalised certain data and reports. Elia has played a political role in this dossier in that way."
Afterwards, Van der Straeten announced her intention to file a complaint against Bouchez for defamation, saying that her political rival's comments amount to slander:
She explained that such a commission of enquiry would have the authority of an examining magistrate, and could technically carry out searches. "Should we set one up simply because the MR party leader has a difference of opinion on the policy?"
"All documents have been released," De Croo said in a comment. "For me, this is a rearguard action, the extension has already been decided. We managed together to bring this very difficult dossier to a good end. The rest of Europe, Germany for example, is looking with envy at what we have done."
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Nuclear energy has long been a sensitive topic in Belgium but the need to break away from fossil fuels (expedited by Russia's invasion of Ukraine), changed both public and political opinion on the energy source, which was due to end in 2025.
The Belgian Greens have historically mounted strong opposition to nuclear power. But despite her previous refusal to consider extending the nuclear capacity, Van der Straeten was forced to revise plans to close Tihange 3 and Doel 4 plants, instead extending their operational lifespan until 2035 to protect the country's energy security.
