The Defense Minister Steven Vandeput (N-VA, New Flemish Alliance) authorized King Philippe’s private trip in a Falcon jet at the army’s cost himself, according to an official letter published by De Tijd on Wednesday. Last weekend, the Socialist Army Union said they thought the sovereign should show more restraint in his choice of destination. Or pay for his trips himself, via the royal endowment.
After the criticism over the last few days, Steven Vandeput has denied all responsibility. The Minister gave the impression the trip had been planned for a long time and he had nothing to do with it.
Le Tijd also revealed that the trip in question was to India and not Indonesia, as was previously thought.
According to the economic and financial newspaper, critics of the trip are also talking about a trip that the Defense Minister took to Afghanistan, which cost 250,000 euros.
(Source: Belga)
