More broadly, unions call for a debate on public procurement legislation and believe “more than normal” that a country favors employment and production on its soil, which Belgium would not do enough.
The SNCB confirms the choice of Spanish CAF for the contract at several billion euros
The choice of CAF criticized by several elected officials
“Alstom finds himself deprived of the contract and risks seriously compromising the future of more than 600 jobs in Bruges”, deplores the Federal MP CD & V Franky Demon, who wonders about the lack of employment protection in Belgium. According to him, “Alstom was not only cheaper, but also a partner recognized in our country”. For the elected Brugeois, “the European rules in terms of public procurement have been applied too strictly.” The deputy requests a hearing from the management of the SNCB to the Chamber.
For his part, the president of MR Georges-Louis Bouchez assures that the representatives of the French-speaking liberals on the board of directors of the SNCB opposed this decision. According to him, it is “clearly an anti-alstom choice as the elements of differentiation are ridiculously minimal and baseless”, he wrote on the X network. “It is a choice of management and a turnover which, for a significant part, has not assumed its responsibilities,” he concluded.
Decision to entrust the construction of its trains to a Spanish company: the Council of State suspends the choice of SNCB
Groen salutes the explicit requirement for respect for human rights by CAF. “The SNCB will continue the negotiations with the Spanish rail manufacturer CAF, but the latter will only be awarded the contract if it withdraws from the illegal Israeli colonies where it is currently present,” underline the Dutch -speaking Greens.
The PTB also highlights the “problematic character of the CAF company because of its direct involvement in the illegal occupation of Palestine”. In a press release, the communists “firmly” denounce the choice of the board of directors. “With this decision, the SNCB really signals the death stop of the Alstom factory in Bruges”, according to MP Farah Jacquet. “The government and the traditional parties bear a heavy responsibility in this decision.” The PTB asks for its part to hear the Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke in the House.