A new proposal from the Belgian government will stop ministers from employing external advisors who are on a public company's payroll.
The government's measure is expected to be approved internally on Friday to stop the practice that has tarnished the reputation of several high-profile figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter.
Her cabinet had been rocked by revelations that two of her advisors were still being paid by their former employers, Bpost. One of them had even argued for the postal company to be spared from spending cuts during government contract negotiations.
De Sutter managed to keep her job despite growing calls of resignation from the opposition, as she was able to maintain the support of other ministers.
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Nonetheless, the Belgian government is now tackling the issue by no longer allowing ministers to employ advisors who are still being paid by public companies.
The measure has already been given the green light by Belgium's State Council, as well as the Budget Secretary and FPS Finance. Their approval was crucial as scrapping the practice would result in the government spending more money, due to part of these experts' salaries having been paid for by their former employers.
