The Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) party criticised the increasing number of municipal employees and the related costs at a meeting of the Leuven City Council on Monday evening.
The party has demanded a freeze on the number of city-council employees.
Municipal staff numbers rose from 1,011 full-time equivalents (FTEs) at the start of the term to 1,168 by the end, according to figures requested by N-VA. This equates to 157 additional FTEs.
When associated non-profit organisations are included, the increase is 222 FTEs, resulting in an additional €35 million in personnel costs.
The N-VA’s calculations show a 45% rise in staff costs in 2024 compared to 2018.
“This is irresponsible governance,” said N-VA councillor Pieterjan Vangerven. “On average, personnel costs in Flemish municipalities have risen by 3%. Leuven far exceeds this.”
In response, the Alderman responsible for Human Resources, Bert Cornillie (Vooruit) said “running a city costs money,” and that the increased costs were unavoidable. Cornillie also pointed to the extra responsibilities taken on by local governments and the corresponding roles that need to be filled.
“Other central cities like Ghent and Antwerp have more employees per 1,000 residents than we do,” Cornillie noted. “We are at the bottom of the list in this ranking.”
