As Flanders becomes a key shareholder in Brussels National Airport, the Socialist Party (PS) is urging the Walloon government to “quickly clarify its position” and ensure the upkeep of majority public control in regional airport companies.
The PS highlighted in a statement on Monday that with the residual state participation through SFPI, Brussels National Airport returns to majority public ownership. In contrast, the Walloon government is considering partial or even majority privatisation of regional airports.
This direction is evident in ongoing deliberations around a scenario where the private group SAVE takes majority control of BSCA, which manages Charleroi Airport. This possibility is concerning, especially given that hundreds of millions of euros in public funds have recently been invested in Walloon airport infrastructure, the party adds.
“Is what is strategic for Flanders less so for Wallonia?” questions Thomas Dermine, the mayor of Charleroi. “While the north of the country secures its key infrastructures within the public domain, the Walloon government prepares to sell off its assets. This poses a direct threat to our economic autonomy and our ability to control employment, attractiveness, and environmental levers.”
Christie Morreale, the leader of the Socialist group in the Walloon parliament, echoes this sentiment. “Flanders sets an example by protecting the public interest. Conversely, in Wallonia, the MR-Engagés majority is contemplating withdrawal from an essential sector. There is a glaring inconsistency here that we will vigorously oppose.”
