Ghent Hotel School Students Demand Suspension of Councilor Amid Sex Offense Probe

A group of former and current students from the Ghent Hotel School has formally requested the CD&V party to temporarily suspend Jurgen Blomme from his position as a councilor in Lievegem. The call comes in response to a judicial investigation into Blomme concerning allegations of sexual offenses. He has already been placed on preventive suspension from his role as a teacher.

In an open letter addressed to CD&V, the students expressed that societal trust in the councilor has been compromised. They emphasized the need for the party to adopt a clear ethical position. One student articulated the group's sentiment: "I don't understand why a political party doesn't send a clear signal when its representative is linked to accusations of sexual misconduct against minors. To us, it feels like our concerns are less important than a political mandate. I find that incomprehensible and immoral."

The students directed their appeal not only to CD&V but to all democratic parties, stressing they are not seeking a premature condemnation. Instead, they urge political parties to take responsibility when public trust is significantly undermined. Specifically, they are asking for Blomme to be at least temporarily removed from his duties until the judicial process is concluded.

According to the students, they have repeatedly contacted the national and regional leadership of CD&V over recent months but have not received a substantive response. The public prosecutor's office confirmed that an investigation into sexual offenses concerning the individual has been ongoing since 2024, with a decision on whether he will face trial expected in the autumn. Lievegem Mayor Kim Martens stated that she intends to await the outcome of the judicial investigation before the municipal government makes any decisions, noting that Blomme ran as an independent on the CD&V list, precluding the local party branch from expelling him.