Molenbeek mayor returns to office after more than a year

The mayor of Molenbeek, Catherine Moureaux (PS), has resumed her duties after an absence of more than a year due to health reasons including burnout.

Moureaux officially returned to work this week, taking back leadership of the Brussels municipality at a time when several political and social challenges are awaiting the local government.

During her absence, daily responsibilities were handled by other members of the municipal council. Her return marks a special moment for the PS-led majority, which has faced criticism from opposition parties over governance and policy direction.

Opposition party MR welcomed the mayor’s recovery but raised concerns about the state of the municipality.

Gloria Garcia Fernandez (MR) told Bruzz: “We hope the mayor's health has improved, because it's high time the health of the municipality came first.”

She also pointed to what she described as pressing socio-economic issues, particularly in relation to the public social welfare centre (CPAS), which is facing a sharp increase in people applying for help as new cuts to long-term unemployment benefit come into force.

"There's also absolutely no plan to mitigate the impact of the temporary unemployment limitation on the public social welfare centre," Fernandez said.

"Yet, we're expecting the largest wave of people calling on its help in the coming weeks."

Molenbeek faces ongoing concerns linked to employment, social assistance and public services, as well as debates about urban policy and dwindling public finances in Brussels municipalities in general.

With her resumption of office, attention now turns to how the mayor's office will respond to the expected increase in demand for social support and other local services in the months ahead.