Prince Laurent in the middle of a storm

Theo Francken expressed last Friday his strong support to Charles Michel, who aims to reduce Prince Laurent’s endowment by 10-15% this year, after he was photographed with officials from the Chinese authorities in July, without getting any green light from Didier Reynders, the Minister for Foreign affairs.

“The bill has to be paid”, Mr. Francken said on Friday. He also suggested that Prince Laurent should complain to the Interfederal centre for equal opportunities (Unia), in case he would disagree with the future decision.

Following this statement a letter was sent to Charles Michel by Laurent Arnauts, Prince Laurent’s lawyer. Mr Arnauts recommends that the financial sanction should not reach 10-15% out of EUR 308,000, as Prince Laurent’s net salary is actually much lower.

Charles Michel’s office replied, saying that legal services are currently on the file. It will then be presented at the Ministers council, to decide whether a financial sanction is an adequate option.

Belgian Prime Minister called for a “proportional sanction” last summer. Under the Belgian constitutional law, the Prince has to require the permission of the Federal Minister for Foreign affairs in order to attend a diplomatic meeting.