De Nieuwe Ster, October 9, 2026, from our editorial staff Translation: Ineke/Diana City Hall backs Aesthetics Committee; Pierre Rieu has been warned. If Rieu insists on his Christmas decorations, the municipality will take enforcement action. City Hall is firmly backing the Aesthetics and Monuments Committee regarding the issue of the Christmas lights—complete with a bow—that Pierre Rieu intends to hang at the Derlon. Alderman Hubert Mackus (CDA) is dismissing an initiative proposal put forward by party colleague and faction leader Gabriëlle Heine (CDA) and co-sponsor D66. Heine had drafted the proposal to immediately create more leeway for business owners to decorate their premises for Christmas. Heine’s move was an immediate response to the recent ruling by the Aesthetics Committee, which holds that Rieu must choose between either the lights or the bow on the Derlon’s façade. Using both simultaneously would be "excessive"—an excess that would compromise the "recognizability" of the hotel building's architecture. Heine had previously stated: "Excess is being portrayed as something negative, whereas—provided the right conditions are met—it can be a huge asset to the city. Just look at major cities like London or Paris." Heine invested a great deal of time in developing the proposal, but is now facing a resounding “no”. Alderman Mackus has now issued a negative opinion regarding Heine's proposal. A clear warning is being issued from City Hall: "This means that applications, requests, and initiatives for Christmas and winter festive lighting will be assessed based on existing regulations, policy frameworks, and assessment criteria. Furthermore, standard practices regarding implementation, supervision, and enforcement remain in effect." It is noteworthy that the language used in the official response appears to have been generated by AI; the municipality uses Copilot. See for yourself: "While we understand that the proposal aims to create more scope for entrepreneurs—thereby contributing to the city center's appeal during the winter season—we also note that certain aspects of the proposed criteria have not yet been sufficiently fleshed out to allow for consistent, objective, and enforceable application; consequently, the proposal fails to meet its intended objectives." "As a result, the implications for permitting, supervision, and enforcement, environmental quality, heritage values, feasibility, and equal treatment remain insufficiently clear. Several proposed assessment criteria contain open-ended standards that require further elaboration before they can be applied in a careful and unambiguous manner. This could lead to differences in interpretation, implementation issues, and disputes regarding the application of the rules, potentially undermining uniformity, cohesion, recognizability, and the quality of the streetscape." "Furthermore, the organizational, legal, and financial consequences of the proposed changes have not yet been adequately mapped out." City Hall advises the council to hold off on adopting new policy: "We therefore advise your council not to adopt the proposal at this time, but rather to first allow for an exploratory and participatory process in which the possibilities, consequences, and preferences are carefully identified." Mackus intends to revisit the rules regarding Christmas lighting in 2027. They could then come into effect for the 2027/2028 season.

October 10, 2026, advertisement: At Hotel Derlon, we believe that no one should have to be alone at Christmas. Are you on your own, or do you know someone who will be spending Christmas alone? We would love to welcome you—Pierre Rieu and the Derlon team. On Boxing Day, we are once again setting the table for people who would otherwise be alone. Come join us and enjoy a 3-course dinner, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and, of course, live music. Reservations (for individuals only) can be made at info@derlon.com. Price: €59.95. Welcome aperitif at 6:30 PM; dinner starts at 7:00 PM.

To go back to Pierre Rieu, page 8, click HERE.