Bénédicte Linard Reflects on 5-Year Tenure Amid Cultural Progress and Political Tensions

Bénédicte Linard, the Ecolo Minister of Culture in the Federation Wallonia-Brussels, has looked back on her five-year tenure, highlighting notable progress in promoting culture despite formidable challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation. However, her reflections are also marked by the difficulties she faced in collaborating with Georges-Louis Bouchez of the MR.

Why this matters: The cultural sector plays a significant role in shaping a region's identity and economy, and the challenges faced by Bénédicte Linard in promoting culture despite political tensions and external challenges have broader implications for the Federation Wallonia-Brussels. The outcome of her tenure may influence the future of cultural initiatives and student support in the region.

One of the key developments during Linard's tenure was the adoption of the PS-Ecolo proposal to modify the Landscape Decree in April. This proposal was passed in the plenary session of the Parliament of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels without the approval of their MR partner. The Council of State later declared the request for an opinion on the proposal inadmissible, stating it would not pronounce on the legal validity of the text.

Ministers Pierre-Yves Jeholet and Françoise Bertieaux from the MR refused to sanction and promulgate the text, citing its illegal passage. Despite this opposition, the government, led by Vice-Minister Presidents Frédéric Daerden (PS) and Bénédicte Linard (Ecolo), went ahead and promulgated the text. This move was met with criticism from the MR ministers, who stated, 'We are prevented from participating in the government session, the agenda of which includes this sanction and promulgation.'

Linard defended the decision, arguing that the MR had created unnecessary stress for students and academic teams by waiting for the Council of State's opinion after the Parliament had already spoken according to the rules. 'The MR has created unnecessary stress for students and academic and administrative teams, waiting for the Council of State's opinion after the Parliament has spoken according to the rules,' she said.

The political tensions did not overshadow Linard's achievements in the cultural sector. Under her leadership, several adaptations to the Paysage decree were approved by the parliament in April to ensure the financial viability of students for the next academic year. The proposal received support from the PTB group, while MR and Les Engagés voted against it. PS President Paul Magnette noted that the Council of State had rejected the appeal from MR and Les Engagés, allowing students to continue their studies without disruption.

As Linard's tenure comes to a close, she remains committed to her vision for culture in the Federation Wallonia-Brussels. Despite the political friction and external challenges, her focus on promoting cultural initiatives and supporting students has left a lasting impact on the region.

Key Takeaways

• Bénédicte Linard reflects on her 5-year tenure as Ecolo Minister of Culture in Federation Wallonia-Brussels.
• She highlights progress in promoting culture despite COVID-19 pandemic and inflation challenges.
• Linard's tenure was marked by difficulties in collaborating with Georges-Louis Bouchez of the MR.
• The Landscape Decree was adopted without MR approval, causing political tensions.
• Linard's focus on cultural initiatives and student support has left a lasting impact on the region.