Flemish Municipal Debt Hits 8.6 Billion Euros
The accumulated debts of Flemish municipalities and Public Centres for Social Welfare (PCSWs) have reached 8.6 billion euros, averaging 1,079 euros per resident, according to Het Nieuwsblad, which references the latest statistics from the Flemish government’s BBC Analysis tool. reports 24brussels.
Among the 190 municipalities, which represents 66.7 percent, debt levels decreased. Conversely, one-third of municipalities saw an increase in their debts. Ghent leads the list with nearly one billion euros in outstanding debt, followed by Mechelen at 305 million euros and Leuven at 254.7 million euros.
When factoring in population size, Middelkerke (4,463 euros per inhabitant) and Blankenberge (3,826 euros) have the highest per capita debts, followed by Ghent (3,700 euros), Ostend (3,445 euros), and Niel (3,440 euros). In contrast, the lowest per resident debts are recorded in Hemiksem (44 euros), Wommelgem (28 euros), and Ardooie (27 euros).
No More Budget Discipline
Overall, municipal debt has increased by 1.4 percent. The Flemish government’s absorption of 273 million euros in debt from 13 newly merged municipalities last autumn prevented an increase of 4.6 percent, as reported by the Flemish Association for Cities and Municipalities (VVSG).
Public finance expert Herman Matthijs noted that municipalities have progressively distanced themselves from strict budget discipline over the past two decades, leading to escalating personnel costs—significantly in urban areas. In response, several municipalities may need to adopt measures similar to Ghent, which has recently announced plans to cut at least 350 jobs in an effort to alleviate its debt burden.
