Belgacom CEO dismissed
News

Belgacom CEO dismissed

The Belgian government has dismissed Belgacom CEO, Didier Bellens, from his position, partly due to his repeated criticism of the authorities.

Bellens position was reportedly unsteady on Friday last week and officials announced his removal from the company later the same day.

Bellens has been vocal with his opinions towards a number of authorities in Belgium over the last 12 months, causing politicians to voice a series of complaints.

In a statement, Belgian Prime Minister Elio di Rupo, told reporters: “Repeated criticism and incidents have irrevocably undermined the confidence of the Belgian government in Mr Didier Bellens. For this reason the federal government recalls Mr Didier Bellens from the post of the chief executive of Belgacom.”

One of Bellens’ complaints included the government’s strict radiation regulations in Brussels, meaning Belgacom was unable to deploy a 4G LTE network in the country’s capital.

Another accusation saw the CEO describe the Belgian prime minister – whose government owns a 53.5% stake of Belgacom – as a child coming for his present from Santa Claus, when receiving its annual dividend.

A search for Bellens replacement is reportedly underway.

Gift this article