RTL Today - Crisis deepens: CMCM board members file lawsuits over recording dispute

Turmoil intensifies at the CMCM with new lawsuits filed among board members, compounding earlier controversies surrounding financial practices and leadership disputes.

The Mutualist Medical and Supplementary Fund (CMCM), boasting a membership of approximately 300,000 individuals, remains embroiled in internal turmoil.

The latest developments include two lawsuits initiated by members of the Administrative Board against fellow board members, marking another episode in what appears to be an ongoing saga of internal discord.

Background

This recent turmoil follows a series of past controversies, including widespread employee criticism directed at Director General Secci nearly two years ago, which was brought to the attention of then-President André Heinen.

Subsequent issues arose with the release of an internal financial report scrutinising the fund's remuneration system, particularly focusing on the Director General's compensation. The report raised concerns about the system's transparency and potential susceptibility to tax fraud, suggesting a possible involvement of the CMCM in tax-related offences.

In a recent development, eight members of the Administrative Board convened a meeting independently, seeking to reappoint key positions within the board, including the President, Vice President, and Secretary General. Gilbert Goergen emerged as the newly appointed President following this initiative by the group of eight members.

Board members clash over recording policy

The internal chaos at the CMCM continued during another meeting on Monday evening, attended by eleven out of the 13 board members, including the eight individuals responsible for the ousting of former President Heinen.

The meeting initially proceeded without incident until the question was raised as to whether the meeting would be recorded in both video and audio, as decided in the previous gathering of the eight members.

President Goergen confirmed the decision, prompting immediate opposition from three other board members citing concerns over privacy and data protection.

Goergen maintained that those opposed could assert their rights, leading to the initiation of legal action by the dissenting members. Two lawsuits have been filed, alleging breaches of privacy and data protection. The potential sanctions could run into the millions.

The unfolding situation is expected to come under scrutiny in the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, as Minister of Social Security Martine Deprez is scheduled to address enquiries from members of the relevant parliamentary committee regarding the situation at the CMCM.