Joachim Coens strongly criticizes Zuhal Demir after PFOS debac… (Zwijndrecht)

Commissioner, hearings, commission of inquiry … the minister really needs to know what she wants. On the merits, we want this file #PFOS is exhausted completely. People’s health comes first, by all means. @cdenv https://t.co/XL12fq7gp9

Joachim Coens @joachimcoens June 10, 2021

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According to CD&V chairman Coens, Demir should “really know what she wants”. Earlier in the day, Demir had appointed an assignment holder in the file and hearings about the file had been agreed within parliament.

But CD&V chairman Coens also emphasizes that the file must be “completely explored”. “People’s health comes first, by all means possible,” Coens tweeted. On Wednesday, CD&V MP Koen Van den Heuvel said that there should indeed be clarity for the people involved in Zwijndrecht, but that hearings should be organized first. Only if they showed that a commission of inquiry is necessary, could it be established.

“This is not the way to work together in a majority, there has to be trust.” That said Flemish CD&V minister Benjamin Dalle on Canvas on Thursday in Terzake. Dalle pointed out on Thursday that the establishment of a commission of inquiry is a matter for parliament. “We certainly support this from CD&V, when it comes to people’s health, there must be transparency,” said the minister. “That is fine in terms of content, but of course this file was discussed at the Flemish government last Friday. The word commission of inquiry is not mentioned there. So this kind of parliamentary vaudeville is definitely not going to happen again.”

READ ALSO. Seven pressing questions after the PFOS pollution in the Zwijndrecht soil (+)

In Zwijndrecht, more specifically in the wider vicinity of the factory of the American company 3M, there are very high concentrations of PFOS in the soil. This chemical, which was produced by 3M until 2002, is difficult to break down and has been linked in studies to possible health risks, such as hormone imbalance and an increased risk of cancer. In recent weeks, the discussion about PFOS contamination and 3M’s responsibility has been heated.

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