Belgium/Wavre: the new mayor Anne Masson was sworn in before the municipal council on Tuesday

It is now official! Anne Masson is the new mayor of Wavre. The reformer (LB), former first alderwoman, was sworn in before the local council this Tuesday evening.

Anne Masson replaces Françoise Pigeolet (LB) who decided to leave her political functions for health reasons and to devote herself to her family. The transfer of power took place in a relaxed and emotional atmosphere. There were no fights between the majority and the opposition. It was time for tributes and words of encouragement, in front of a large number of citizens who had come for the occasion. The session was also broadcasted online, as usual.

Among the few changes to be noted during this unusual council meeting: the first aldermanic position goes to Paul Brasseur and the return to the college of Jean-Pol Hannon.

Citizen questioning

At around 6:15 pm, even before the start of the council meeting, a hundred people turned out in front of City Hall. Parents, players and other supporters of the Wavre-Limal soccer club had come to express their impatience with the new soccer stadium project. The subject was also the subject of a citizen's question in due form during the town council. Sébastien Dehee, a parent and coach of the soccer club, asked the new mayor if the project would finally move forward. "The city promised us a new stadium and we are still waiting. In the meantime, the club's players are languishing in containers along the avenue of the sports center." An online petition has been launched.

Anne Masson began by reminding the audience that the college had not abandoned the project. It just needed some time to think about budgetary solutions in a context of crisis that has become difficult. The new mayor especially regretted the insulting remarks against the elected officials. Invective via social networks and that Sebastien Dehee said he regrets. "I do not know who is behind these remarks, but they do not emanate from the club officials.

Anne Masson announced that the municipality had registered 100,000 euros for more adequate containers while waiting for the final premises. The work will start next year. An announcement that fans of the club will prefer to see materialize with their own eyes.

Energy and climate plan

Another point marked the evening. The presentation of the Action Plan for Sustainable Energy and Climate (PAEDC). This action plan was drawn up as part of the City of Wavre's membership of the (European) Covenant of Mayors for the Climate.This action plan foresees a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Wavre by 2030, compared to 2006. Wavre will therefore have to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, increase the territory's resilience to climate change and fight against fuel poverty.

A local diagnosis reveals that transport and housing are the main sources of emissions. The study does not include the emissions produced by the traffic on the E411, which the Ecolo opposition has not failed to denounce. The Greens also pointed out a lack of clarity and precision, as well as a lack of ambition to achieve the objectives of avoiding climate catastrophes.

The opposition CH + (Les Engagés) called for a specific chapter devoted to school mobility, as the number of trips to schools is particularly high in the city of Maca.

Anne Masson replied that this was a first version of a plan that will be refined and improved over time.

Finally, the opposition returned to the problems observed at Walibi during the Halloween party. A victim of its own success, the park was overwhelmed by a large number of visitors, which led to a series of complications. "We have discussed this with the police and the site managers," explained the mayor. "We will take all measures to ensure that this does not happen again!"

Source: www.rtbf.be