Bpost CEO Dirk Tirez has to resign over newspaper distribution permit irregularities

Federal Minister for Public Enterprises Petra de Satter (Green) described the whole thing as “another blow to the postman and their colleagues who see their manager leave again before the busiest week of the year”. But according to Minister de Sutter, there is no longer a place for Dirk Therese at Bpost due to unacceptable practices under his leadership.

“The director of Bpost is the director of a public company and then you have to set a good example. From the analysis of the board of directors I conclude that this was not the case, which means that he has no future in Bpost,” says de Sutter.

N-VA Member of Parliament Michael Freilich, who has been following the file closely and keeping it on the political agenda, finds De Sutter’s sharp words striking. “It seems clear to me that Therese was effectively fired for gross misconduct. I also understand there are no severance payments,” Freilich says.

He requests an expedited chamber hearing and wants the investigation extended to Bpost’s board of directors. The chair, Ms. Hanard, has a PS signature. PS is known to be a staunch supporter of the million-dollar contract with Bpost. We have serious questions about Ms. Hanard’s role. She didn’t ask for an external audit either. With internal audit you are party and control at the same time, that’s easy.”