After 30-Minute Speech, Lotfi Mostefa Refuses to Answer Brussels Deputies: 'Being Available Isn't Clientelism'

Lotfi Mostefa, president of the Foyer anderlechtois, Brussels' largest social housing company, broke his silence before a parliamentary inquiry commission, addressing allegations of clientelism and favoritism. For weeks, Mostefa had maintained a strict policy of silence following an investigative report that shook the organization. Appearing with his lawyers, he took an oath and presented his defense, acknowledging the public's indignation while asserting that the Foyer and its staff have been unfairly attacked.

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I understand the indignation, the questions, the emotion. I respect the questions you have been asking for weeks and the work of justice.

Mostefa defended his extensive involvement, stating, "I do too much? In current social housing, it is impossible to do enough. I claim my field commitment." He argued that his deep engagement and accessibility are what citizens expect and should not be misconstrued as clientelism. He insisted that being available does not equate to improperly influencing housing allocation decisions, emphasizing that "it is not because someone votes for me that they will receive social housing. That is not serious."

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But for a month, the Foyer has been attacked, the teams slandered. Social housing is in the line of fire.

Aligning with the defense previously outlined by Minister Karine Lalieux, Mostefa contended that the clientelist tone of certain WhatsApp messages does not imply that official procedures were circumvented. He stressed that he is not the decision-maker for housing assignments or file validation. "A file is not a screenshot of a WhatsApp message taken out of context. A meeting never replaces administrative instruction," he stated. Mostefa also addressed the controversial derogation committee, which had been labeled "illegal" and "clandestine," asserting that such accusations are unfounded and that his actions are aimed at improving the system, not undermining it.

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Am I doing too much? In current social housing, it is impossible to do enough. I claim my field commitment.

Mostefa, who secured a significant vote share in Anderlecht, highlighted that he is frequently approached by social workers, citizens, and elected officials from various political parties. He urged the commission to consider the context of these solicitations, suggesting that many individuals, including elected officials, likely receive similar requests on their phones. He maintained that these interactions do not lead to bypassing established rules and regulations.

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But being available is not clientelism. Being available is what citizens expect.