According to Dedecker, the plan for Middelkerke means an additional invoice of 2.8 million euros, on top of the annual operating allowance. “The balance is completely lost,” he says. “Center cities build prestigious barracks, but the smaller municipalities pay the bill.”
The construction cost of the Bruges Kazerne has risen sharply in recent years. While initially assumed 10 million euros, that amount has since risen to 44 million euros, including financing costs. “The agreed budget neutrality is being violated,” says Dedecker. “Our provincial capital behaves like a feudal lender who imposes his vassals an extra cijns.”