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16 February 2007
They were 71,124 in 2000, they are now 81,427. The population of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean has increased significantly, especially when compared to other areas of the Brussels region.
Procreation or new arrivals? The socialist mayor, Philippe Moureaux, say “it’s a bit of both”. The creation of mid-size apartments like in the Terrasses de l’Ecluse area has attracted middle class families. More than 100 apartments will be built in the same area in order to meet demand, the mayor said.
Philippe Moureaux says tighter immigration laws in the Netherlands has contributed to the higher number of arrivals of foreign families. The entrance of new countries in the EU also stimulated arrivals, 200 Romanians arrived in the town last year.
The mayor is happy with the increase in population of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean but deplores that new inhabitants tend to go to Brussels for their hobbies and activities.
[Copyright Expatica]
Subject Belgian news