Flemish PM only has four immigrant staff

At present only four of the Premier’s 34 staff have a foreign heritage.

Earlier in the week the Flemish leader called on employers to recruit more immigrants.

Employment levels among immigrants in Flanders hover around 46 percent.

This contrasts unfavourably with the European average of 58 percent.

Quizzed by VRT Mr Bourgeois noted that 12 percent of his staff were members of the ethnic minorities adding that he didn’t really work with targets and recruited people on the basis of ability: "Very specific issues are involved. You need experts in very specific domains. Sometimes you arrive at a good mix, but not always."

No specific recruitment targets exist for ministers’ private offices, but the Prime Minister says he’s ready to have a look at the issue.

For Flemish civil servants there is an 8 percent target: 8 percent of Flemish civil servants should belong to the ethnic minorities and that’s a figure that was increased by the new coalition accord.

Flandersnews.be / Expatica