BackOn March 29, the Belgian federal ombudsmen, Catherine De Bruecker and Guido Schuermans, submitted their report for 2010 to the President of the House of Representatives.
As every year, this report provides a critical view by citizens of the federal public services, but also illustrates the unwavering determination of the federal authorities to improve the quality of their service to users.
When a citizen complains about a mistake made by a federal public service, newly introduced measures or a delay in processing files, he is even more concerned about the inadequate information, or worse, lack of information on the part of the administrative authorities.
The administrative authorities must establish an efficient communication and information policy based on transparency, proactivity and loyalty to citizens.
Furthermore, citizens are concerned about their fundamental rights: the right to vote, the right to marry, the right to a dignified life (as a detainee, a migrant, a disabled person), the right to receive equal treatment, the right to good governance.
The total number of new case files in 2010 amounted to 8,231, including 1,267 requests for information. This is the highest number of new files registered since the office of the Federal Ombudsman was created 14 years ago. In five years, the number of complaints has doubled.
This year, the federal ombudsmen submitted 8 recommendations to Parliament and made 6 recommendations to the administrative authorities.
