Since the MR President's New Year address in January, the question of merging Walloon municipalities has been at the heart of the liberal agenda. Far from remaining a theoretical debate, the movement chose to reach out to those on the front line: local elected representatives.
A process rooted in the realities of the ground
Between February and May, the MR carried out an unprecedented in-depth process. After an initial meeting of mayors in February, a tour of the provinces was launched from mid-March to the end of April, allowing all Walloon representatives to voice their views on this fundamental issue. At the same time, a survey was conducted among local elected officials to gauge the mood in Walloon municipalities regarding this reform prospect.
What the representatives are telling us
The survey results paint a nuanced but encouraging picture. A majority of the representatives surveyed are in favour of the idea of a voluntary merger, seeing it primarily as a lever for administrative efficiency and long-term budgetary gains. The strengthened political weight of merged entities is also seen as a real asset.
That said, elected officials also point to certain reservations. Fear of losing municipal identity and strong expectations regarding consultation are among the main issues identified. Representatives are ready to move forward, provided there is citizen consultation, financial support from the Region and the preservation of institutional proximity.
The mayors' conference: a high-level dialogue
On 21 May, the mayors' conference marked the natural culmination of this process. For the first time, local representatives and academics were able to compare their analyses at the same table, concretely examining the advantages and disadvantages of territorial reform in Wallonia. The discussions were direct and grounded in realities on the ground, far removed from theoretical abstractions.
A clear conclusion: a conditional yes
At the end of this process, the mayors reached a common position: merging municipalities can offer real value for the future of Wallonia, provided it is built together with local authorities, in close consultation with those on the ground. Above all, it must remain in the service of citizens: guaranteeing the quality of local services and respecting the local identities that make up the richness of our territories.
It is on this basis that the MR intends to lead the debate, convinced that, if properly carried out, territorial reform can be a driving force for renewal in Wallonia.