Over the last few years, municipal mergers have entered the discourse of various Belgian politicians. However, not every citizen is waiting for their village or city to be merged with another. 

In Tongeren, Tijs Posen has opposed his city’s merging since it was brought up in 2022. His party, BurgersEerst, wants to protect the old monuments and heritage of the ancient city and ensure the possibility for citizen participation. This documentary contains an interview with Mayor Jo Feytons and an interview with political scientist Chesney Callens of the University of Antwerp.

This documentary was made as part of Rein Arnauts’ undergraduate thesis. Watch the documentary here:

Documentary: © Rein Arnauts
Camera and sound: © Rein Arnauts and Arne Maes
Editing: © Rein Arnauts
Photo: © Rein Arnauts