First ships in Knokke-Heist on non-active
Demeyere already relinquished his powers in urban planning in December last year. The ships had previously been discredited for a conflict of interest. According to Audit Vlaanderen, there was a conflict of interest when the alderman had to judge a real estate project of the Hemelaer family. That family previously also invested in the car garage of the ships.
Demeyere himself has always denied the conflict of interest. Mayor Piet De Groote (Municipal Interests) also denied that the shift of powers had anything to do with the audit.
Audit
In April, Audit Vlaanderen started a new forensic audit of the municipal council of Knokke-Heist. According to local political sources, the investigation would also focus on the activities of first ships. Now the alderman is stepping aside after consultation with the mayor.
“In good conscience”
“In view of all the fuss and commotion surrounding my person and after consultation with the mayor, I wish to be temporarily absent for my mental and physical health. I do emphasize that I have fulfilled my duties in good conscience and it is by no means the intention is to tarnish the name of our beautiful municipality,” the aldermen said.