The recent decision to appoint Moustapha Budchich, the chief of staff for Brussels Minister Ahmed Laaouej, to oversee the foreign trade office in Rabat has sparked discontent among foreign representatives of hub.brussels. This appointment, which bypassed standard selection procedures and offers a salary at the level of a CEO, raises serious concerns regarding the principles of transparency and equal opportunity that should govern such appointments.
A letter obtained by BRUZZ indicates a palpable dissatisfaction within the foreign network of hub.brussels regarding Budchich's designation as the Brussels Region's representative in Morocco's capital. Currently serving as the chief of staff for Minister Laaouej, Budchich is expected to make way for Raphaël Jehotte, the former chief of staff for Rudi Vervoort and Thomas Dermine. Consequently, an insider within the Brussels foreign representation characterized Budchich's new role as “an honorable exit.”
The appointment has been poorly received for several reasons, especially in light of the Dilliès government’s decision earlier this year to cut back on the foreign network of the region, with plans to close twelve offices and recall representatives from two other cities back to Brussels. While acknowledging that such budgetary cuts are never enjoyable, the same source expressed difficulty in reconciling Budchich's appointment with the broader downsizing efforts: “It is hard to understand how Mr. Budchich can be appointed as a foreign representative under these circumstances.”
Concerns Over Salary and Procedure
Budchich will reportedly receive a salary within the A5 scale, which ranges from €115,000 to €150,000 annually, in addition to various allowances and reimbursements. Such compensation is typically reserved for the CEO within hub.brussels, while current trade attachés earn salaries in the A1 scale, approximately 30% lower than Budchich's proposed remuneration. This discrepancy raises questions about budget coherence, especially considering the ongoing austerity measures. An insider noted that the entire package could significantly impact the budget, and it remains uncertain how this aligns with existing statutes that do not accommodate such a salary package. “Will the board of directors then amend the statutes?”
There is also growing resentment regarding the preferential treatment Budchich is receiving. “We began our roles following an intensive selection process designed to objectively assess candidates. The principles of transparency and equal opportunity that are supposed to govern such procedures are being completely disregarded here,” expressed a frustrated representative.
A Loyal Diplomat
At 47, Budchich has built a reputation within Brussels politics as a loyal envoy of PS figurehead Ahmed Laaouej. With a background in social sciences, he joined the Francophone socialists as a young adult. During the lengthy Brussels formation process, Budchich played an essential role in the PS negotiation team, helping to draft the Brussels government agreement. Following Laaouej's swearing-in as minister, he was promoted to chief of staff.
However, this appointment came with a caveat: Raphaël Jehotte was originally set to become Laaouej's right-hand man, having also played a significant role behind the scenes in the Brussels government formation until he had to take a health-related hiatus. In September, when Budchich departs for Rabat for a five-year term, Jehotte is expected to make his return as chief of staff.
According to a well-placed source, Budchich's appointment was part of the major nomination carousel that took place at the end of July. “This was a typical PS move,” the source remarked. “I think no one is pleased with how this has unfolded, not even within the PS.” Brussels Minister-President Boris Dilliès (MR), who is responsible for Foreign Trade, has refrained from commenting on the discontent within the hub.brussels network for the time being.
As reported by bruzz.be.
