Minister Rob Beenders covers for 12 colleagues during Belgian summer holidays

While most Belgian federal ministers are enjoying their summer break, Minister of Consumer Protection and Equal Opportunities Rob Beenders (Vooruit) remains in the country. He is stepping in for 12 colleagues, managing urgent administrative tasks during the holiday period. His cabinet clarified that these duties are primarily administrative, ensuring continuity while substantive policy matters remain with the active, albeit reduced, ministerial teams.

Beenders explained that many colleagues wished to travel abroad for their holidays. As he did not plan international travel, he offered to cover their responsibilities, allowing them to rest. This practice of having a minister cover for others during the summer is common, as certain documents require ministerial signatures before the autumn recess. However, Beenders is unique this year by covering the entire period, simplifying the process compared to previous years where multiple ministers rotated.

This is not Beenders' first time managing federal affairs during the holidays; he also stayed in Belgium last year. He observed an increased workload this summer, attributing it to a particularly productive final cabinet meeting before the break. Despite the volume, he assures that he reads everything carefully, especially when handling colleagues' files, and feels well-prepared for the role.