This week, we highlight more than forty years of career as a local elected representative. Daniel Bacquelaine became a municipal councillor of Chaudfontaine in 1983, before becoming an alderman and mayor there.
He, who was group leader in the Chamber and federal Minister for Pensions, will be a candidate next June, in support of Pierre-Yves Jeholet's list.
Daniel, you have been serving Chaudfontaine for forty years: which achievements would you particularly highlight?
Chaudfontaine has gradually become a quality label. We have developed the “Qualité Chaudfontaine” concept, which covers all the services provided to the population and families. The positive transformation of Vaux-sous-Chèvremont, the rise of tourism and thermal spa activity in Chaudfontaine-Sources, the modernisation of our schools in every village, early childhood care, the expansion of sports facilities, the development of soft and active mobility, the preservation of our environment and safety, and the attentiveness of our administration towards residents all make living in Chaudfontaine pleasant and appreciated.
The 2021 floods destroyed a significant part of the territory and deeply affected many residents. But the application of our “mantra” “Reconstruire, Rebondir, Revivre” (Rebuild, Bounce Back, Live Again) is already a real success.
You have been a municipal councillor, alderman and mayor… What differences do you see between these roles?
The municipal councillor proposes and scrutinises, the alderman manages their area of responsibility, the mayor motivates and coordinates the teams. They give spirit and meaning to the actions undertaken. Everyone gets involved and translates the population's aspirations into action.
How do you see the evolution of the local mandate? There is much talk about elected officials' “blues”; what is your view on local political engagement?
Personally, I do not perceive any “blues” among elected officials in my municipality, nor a tendency towards demobilisation, except sometimes a certain discouragement in the face of the administrative complexity and bureaucracy that characterises our higher authorities.
As for citizens, many wish to join in our actions and become active participants in the development of their municipality.
If you had to give advice to someone standing on the electoral lists for the first time, what would it be?
The first-time candidate must immediately embrace a team spirit and dare to make direct contact with the citizen-voter. It is rare for someone to be annoyed or upset when asked for their opinion.
Being present on the ground and addressing the most concrete problems are essential.
Finally, a tourism question: what would you highlight if our readers were to visit Chaudfontaine?
The Château des Thermes is a success and, like the quality of the thermal waters, carries Chaudfontaine's reputation far and wide.
Chaudfontaine is also the garden of Liège, just 10 km from the city centre, offering numerous walking and cycling routes in an enchanting setting.
Unfortunately, the Source o Rama museums were destroyed by the floods. But a new tourism and cultural strategy is being put in place, focused on thermal water, entertainment and artistic expression.