Call for investigation into Audi closure of Brussels factory

The PS political party has tabled a proposal to set up a committee to investigate the closure of Audi Brussels, aimed at examining how Audi management handled some proposals to take over the factory site in Forest.

“Back in August, the Audi management launched an appeal to investors, but they thought all offers were too weak to be taken seriously,” said PS Brussels member of parliament Khalil Aouasti.

“However, the management subsequently passed on very little quantified information about these offers to employee and government representatives.

"Moreover, on two occasions, with total disregard for our democracy, they refused to come to parliament to explain the reasons for the closure and the criteria that led the company to reject the offers."

The PS initiative received support in parliament from the left, including from Ecolo and PVDA. Nabil Boukili (PVDA) denounced the "lack of transparency" of Audi management, saying "politicians must cooperate in finding a solution".

MR and N-VA, on the other hand, were surprised by the proposal, noting that committee hearings have already taken place and others are on the agenda, and that the employment minister in charge of the Audi case – Pierre-Yves Dermagne – is a PS party member.

Dermagne expressed support for the idea.

“We can agree that the only stakeholders who have not shown sufficient respect for the workers, parliamentarians and the government on this issue is the Audi management,” Dermagne said.

“The only way to force them to give explanations to the people's representatives is with a commission of enquiry.”