INTERVIEW. Melissa Depraetere (31) takes over from Conner Rousseau: “Conner has always been there for the party. I’m going to do that now too” | Domestic

PoliticsThe flamboyant Rousseau temporarily makes way for his closest confidante, Melissa Depraetere. The ‘leading lady’ of the Flemish socialists is brooding on a break in style: softer and more cautious, but at least as self-confident. Their bond is very close, but Depraetere realizes: “I have to let him go.” Before the elections, she wants to tackle one issue absolutely: savings interest rates. “Vincent Van Peteghem is allowed to issue another 20 government bonds, that will not solve the problem.” Her parents are concerned: “They hope that I will not be treated as harshly as Conner.”