It's in La Louvière that we meet Olivier, a municipal councillor for 20 years, list leader in a city with more than 80 years of socialism behind it, quite a fight…
Let's take the temperature in the Centre region.
The outgoing mayor defends a positive economic record for the city. He claims La Louvière is one of the most economically attractive cities in Wallonia:
- Unemployment falling faster than the regional average.
- Job growth and average income rising faster than elsewhere.
- Business creation above the provincial, regional and national averages.
- Corporate tax revenue rising, unlike other large Walloon cities.
What's your view of the situation?
The outgoing mayor seems to be living in a parallel reality. If he is celebrating an economic record he calls “positive,” I strongly invite him to leave his ivory tower and spend time in his own city, in contact with residents and economic players. He could then see for himself that the situation is very different from what he claims.
The manipulation of the figures he puts forward, particularly regarding the employment rate, is not only misleading but also worrying for all stakeholders.
Take a concrete example: the mayor claims the employment rate in our city is 75%, whereas official data from BelStat and HainautStat show an actual rate of 54.7%. This distortion of the facts is worrying, as it reflects a deliberate intent to mislead the population. Such an attitude reveals a lack of transparency and accountability in the face of real economic challenges.
Why is this so dangerous?
Because governing by distorting reality solves nothing. On the contrary, it delays the decisions needed to provide solutions. By twisting the facts, the mayor and his team are simply concealing the flaws in their management, while citizens live daily with hardship, unemployment, and economic difficulties.
This manipulation of the data clearly shows the state of panic within the PS in a city as crucial as La Louvière, the fifth largest city in Wallonia. If the mayor claims everything is fine, it means he's either not fully aware of the challenges, or worse, refuses to face them.
Growth in jobs, income and businesses must not be judged through embellished figures, but through the real impact on the population. What is needed today is leadership that acknowledges the difficulties, takes concrete and effective measures, and works towards a stable and prosperous economic future.
Manipulating figures only leads to erratic management and a loss of citizens' trust. What La Louvière needs is a change of direction, with a team that faces reality and acts accordingly.
On 9 June, the MR gained more than 10% both in Wallonia and in La Louvière. How do you see this comeback on the ground? The socialists: stop or continue?
The result on 9 June, where the MR doubled its score in La Louvière, is the fruit of hard work on the ground but also a clear party line that was expected here too. For 6 years, the MR in La Louvière has been a genuine force for proposals, listening to citizens, defending their interests and putting forward concrete solutions. This success reflects our constant commitment and closeness to the population.
Today, the MR is the only credible alternative to meet the expectations for change. Our project for the next 6 years is clear, transparent, bold yet realistic. It focuses on modernising the city, rigorous management of public finances, and improving services to citizens.
Faced with weariness towards the PS-ECOLO majority, the MR embodies the path of renewal that La Louvière needs.
Citizens are very responsive to our proposals, we can feel it in our meetings and discussions. People are eagerly awaiting us. Our city deserves ambition and concrete action. It's certain the future majority will be different, since Ecolo is not standing on 13 October!
And finally, the traditional tourist question: if you had to recommend one place to visitors passing through La Louvière, which would it be?
If I had to recommend a place combining both the artistic and industrial heritage of La Louvière, I would suggest a day starting with a visit to the Keramis Museum, a true gem of ceramics and witness to the history of the famous Boch pottery works, followed by a visit to the Centre for Engraving and Printed Image. This route would offer an immersive experience, blending the richness of industrial and craft heritage with the exploration of contemporary art. These two venues allow you to discover the evolution of art in various forms, from ceramics to printed works, while diving into La Louvière's creative history.