Belgium wants “a word with the Swiss” to discuss controversial letter

The Flemish Budget Minister Philippe Muyters (Flemish nationalist) is not amused. He plans to have a serious talk with those responsible for the letter.

At the end of October, 150 American businesses that have a Belgian branch, received a letter from a marketing agency working for the Zurich region. The letter brings a negative story about Belgium, highlighting things like rail strikes, a massive public debt and the recession.

Next, a suggestion is made: "Maybe it’s time to consider changing your location and moving from Belgium to Zurich. Our political, economic and legal stability will allow companies to plan their future without further worries. Whatever your plans may be, Switzerland is the place to be."

The federal and regional Belgian governments are not amused and will not let the matter rest. The Flemish PM kris Peeters (Christian democrat) intends to write the Swiss ambassador in Brussels a letter "to ask him to take the necessary steps to put the miscommunication right."

[Flandersnews.be / Expatica]