Lotfi Mostefa re-elected as president of the Foyer anderlechtois despite ongoing inquiry
Lotfi Mostefa (PS) was re-elected president of the Foyer anderlechtois by a 5-4 board vote on 9 July, a decision that comes as a parliamentary inquiry examines governance and clientelism allegations at the public housing company.
Re-election vote
On 9 July, the board of the Foyer anderlechtois voted 5-4 to add the presidency to the agenda after four directors and the director-general requested it, then elected Lotfi Mostefa as president by the same margin. Mostefa recused himself during the discussion of his own appointment; another board member, Mrs Gori, took part in the debate and vote. The company explained that the move followed demands from the regional housing authority (SLRB) for clarification.
At the end of its deliberations, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Lotfi Mostefa as president of the institution by five votes out of nine.
The board also annulled decisions from its 15 June meeting and adopted urgent measures to keep the company running, covering public procurement, base rents, and continuity.
This decision aims to stabilise the functioning of the Board and meets the requests for regularisation and clarification formulated by the SLRB, in the social interest of the institution and in the interest of tenants.
Political fallout
Les Engagés Bruxelles immediately disowned their own administrator, Safa Madrane, who voted with the majority to reinstate Mostefa. The party said Madrane no longer holds a membership card and that her choice contradicts the movement’s position. The centrist party will propose a replacement for her seat; it called the return of Mostefa “a particularly worrying signal” given the context of contested governance and audit findings.
Mme Safa Madrane, who sits today on a mandate attributed to Les Engagés, chose to support the candidacy of Mr. Lotfi Mostefa. This political choice is in total contradiction with the position of our movement.
Parliamentary inquiry and administrative warnings
Mostefa’s re-election comes as a parliamentary commission of inquiry examines alleged irregularities in the allocation of social housing and possible clientelism. A judicial investigation is underway; Mostefa is presumed innocent. The commission is expected to issue recommendations next week, and a bureau meeting on Friday aims to agree on methodology. Secretary of State for Housing Karine Lalieux (PS) told the commission that a second warning had been sent to the Foyer on 1 July, part of a procedure that could allow the SLRB to take over if internal failings persist.
