Kortrijk asks Bruges to withdraw its candidacy for European Capital of Culture, Bruges refuses

Ronse suggests working together with Bruges on the candidacy of the city of Kortrijk. Last week, Bruges announced its candidacy for European Capital of Culture in 2030. The city already won the title in 2002, but now, twenty years later, is making another attempt.

“little collegiate”

Kortrijk previously announced its candidacy, and immediately reacted incensed to Bruges’ candidacy. “I wish them good luck, but I don’t think it’s very collegial,” it was then at alderman Ronse. In his open letter, the alderman goes one step further and asks Bruges to withdraw its candidacy and to support the candidacy of the city of Kortrijk.

“Let us, like the Limburgers, form a strong and united front. Do not weaken our West Flemish candidacy, but believe that the podium that Kortrijk can get will also do Bruges good. Bruges is such a beautiful city. It has a sleepy image but there are also a lot of dynamic companies around Bruges, strong cultural players. Get behind our candidacy instead of investing money and resources in a candidacy that you already know Europe is not inclined to, “sounds in the open letter.

“Not Twice”

Ronse cites the argument that a city will probably not win the title twice. “The director of the European Capital of Culture program told us that they are avoiding both capitals and cities that already were.”