Auderghem: very good transparency, mandate transparency pioneer

Brussels' only DéFI mayor

Auderghem has 35,000 inhabitants and is led by Sophie de Vos (DéFI), the only DéFI mayor to remain in office in Brussels after the 2024 elections. With 47.1% of votes and an absolute majority (17/31 seats), she opened her majority to MR-Les Engagés.

Transparency: 5 out of 6 criteria

Auderghem achieves an excellent score. The budget and council minutes (dedicated archives) are published, the council is broadcast via livestream, the mandate registry is exemplary (publication of private income of elected officials — a first), and the municipality has the Auderghem 21: Participate! platform. No Open Data portal.

Mandate transparency pioneer

Auderghem stands out by publishing the private income of the mayor and aldermen, going beyond legal requirements. Councillor attendance tracking is also published online.

Recent developments

The municipality adopted a tax on fast-food restaurants generating approximately EUR 12,000/year. The Trois Fontaines viaduct project (road development) is contested by local residents. Auderghem has no school streets, despite regional commitments. The municipality boasts its 50th consecutive balanced budget.

"Safe Places" Pilot (8 March 2026)

Auderghem becomes the first Brussels commune to launch the "Safe Places" project against street harassment. The initiative identifies 10 shops, 3 institutions and STIB Hankar station as refuges where anyone experiencing harassment can seek shelter and assistance. Staff at participating locations were trained by PsyBru (Brussels psychologist network). The project launches on 8 March 2026, International Women's Rights Day.

Source: L'Avenir (5 March 2026).