Oudenburg (Eurotoday) – Anthony Dumarey of Oudenburg has announced that he will not pursue an appeal with the Council of State over his blocked appointment as mayor. Flemish Minister of Internal Affairs Hilde Crevits declined to appoint him due to an ongoing judicial investigation into a potential conflict of interest.
Despite having the option to challenge Minister Hilde Crevits’ decision before the Council of State, Dumarey has decided against it. The decision comes after a judicial inquiry raised concerns regarding a possible conflict between his role as mayor and his profession as a real estate agent. Dumarey had initially assumed the mayoral office in Oudenburg, as reported by
VRT.
Before the Council of State could weigh in on his ministerial appointment, Dumarey initiated summary proceedings in court, but the Council ultimately did not support his bid. Although he retained the legal right to seek annulment, Dumarey opted not to exercise it, citing concerns about prolonging political uncertainty in Oudenburg.
Following extended discussions with his legal counsel, Dumarey stated:
“Legally, I have a point, I have no doubt about that. But what would I gain from it? It would not help Oudenburg. On the contrary, because such a procedure can drag on for years. Any ruling would not be available until early 2027. I do not want to plunge Oudenburg into this uncertainty, I choose my city and want it to run well, hence this decision.”
Dumarey will now continue serving as a municipal councillor in Oudenburg, a choice he describes as far from easy.
“I have been on the Oudenburg municipal council since 1994. I have moved mountains, weathered storms and worked on files from A to Z. But today it feels good and right to make this decision. Not with a bitter aftertaste, but with my head held high and a heart for my city. I have never done politics for myself. I want my city to run well. And I want to support and help the young team that is now working on it by sharing my knowledge and experience.”
Background of Anthony Dumarey’s Non-Appointment as Mayor of Oudenburg
The controversy surrounding Anthony Dumarey’s mayoral ambitions dates back to an audit conducted in August 2023, which revealed substantial issues and led to his resignation during his term in office. The core issue was a suspected conflict of interest between Dumarey’s municipal responsibilities and his commercial activities in the real estate sector.
The audit revealed that the municipal council had given approval to several development projects linked to Dumarey’s real estate agency, despite contrary advice from environmental authorities. Accusations were also made that he disclosed confidential information to architects regarding these projects. The findings prompted a judicial investigation into alleged conflicts of interest and potential breaches of professional secrecy.
Despite receiving the highest number of preference votes in the local elections and commanding broad support in the municipal council, Dumarey was denied the mayoral post following conclusions drawn by Governor Carl Decaluwé and Minister Crevits. Their joint audit and investigation led to his disqualification. The Council of State upheld this stance, rejecting Dumarey’s appeal to suspend the appointment decision.
As a result, Romina Vanhooren, the runner-up in Dumarey’s party in terms of preference votes, has now been appointed as the new mayor of Oudenburg.
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