Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mayor Mathias De Clercq of Ghent is on medical leave as the city prepares €120 million in annual budget cuts, including 350 job losses. Hafsa El-Bazioui steps in temporarily.
As VRT News reported, Mayor Mathias De Clercq of Ghent, who serves on the local group Voor Gent, has paused his work due to doctors’ advice to rest. He felt sick in the night earlier this week on July 2, 2025. City staff rushed him to the hospital so doctors could check him. He went through several tests. The hospital let him go home the next morning, July 3, 2025.
The medical team warned him not to do any official tasks for a few days. They want him to focus on getting better. City spokespeople did not share the exact illness. They said the break is only a careful step to help the mayor recover quickly and fully.
Who leads Ghent as Mayor De Clercq recovers amid €120M cuts?
While Mayor De Clercq is ill, Hafsa El-Bazioui will take over his job. She will do the mayor’s work until he is better. The mayor’s office said they want him to get well soon and thanked everyone for understanding. Even though it’s a busy time for Ghent, they trust El-Bazioui to keep things going. Everyone is hoping the mayor gets better quickly.
Ghent is preparing to announce a significant austerity plan while he is away. This plan involves substantial budget cuts, aiming to save around €120 million each year, which will have considerable effects.
They mentioned that one of the most impactful actions is the planned elimination of 350 jobs within the city administration. Furthermore, cuts are expected across different departments and services.
According to officials, the mayor and the aldermen were in tough talks that went on late into the night. They were trying to agree on the savings plan. It’s not known if these long meetings made the mayor sick.
