Walking app with the support of Ben Weyts offline: « Dichterizing example of the Flemish subsidy disease »

Wandelar was developed by the VZW Sportopia and provided interactive walks in the Hallerbos. The Flemish government had a subsidy of 76,000 euros for it. According to Ben Weyts (N-VA), the app had to serve to strengthen the Flemish identity and Dutch in the region.

It came to criticism from then coalition partner Open Vld. He noted that the app was being developed by a non -profit organization from Beersel, the home municipality of Weyts. « How this app should promote Dutch is a mystery to me, » said Gwendolyn Rutten.

« Flanders gave a start-up financing in 2023 to start the project, » the Weeyts cabinet said on Tuesday. « After that, no more resources were provided. That was not the intention. »

« This is again a harrowing example of the Flemish subsidy, » says independent MP Maurits Vande Reyde. « This was only a promotional stunt for the minister. With an app that never worked as announced, was barely used and after one year already disappears from the radar. Paying money without a plan, without follow -up, without result. In the meantime, the budget colors deep red, and real core tasks are neglected. »