Bart Somers resigns as Flemish minister and chooses Mechelen | Instagram VTM NEWS

LOOK. Bart Somers resigns as Flemish minister

Somers, leader of Open Vld in the Flemish Parliament in the previous legislature, became the liberal number one in the government four years ago, with the powers of Domestic Administration, Administrative Affairs, Civic Integration and Equal Opportunities.

LOOK. Prime Minister De Croo responds to Minister Somers’ departure: “He was a wonderful minister”

He is now shifting his focus again to his home city of Mechelen, where he is the titular mayor. “If my fellow citizens want it, I will fully commit myself during the coming legislature as mayor to further developing Mechelen into a warm and inspiring home for all its residents,” he writes on X, formerly Twitter.

After that, he wants to make way for innovation in the party. “Only with new people at the forefront can liberalism in Flanders grow again. That is why I fully support chairman Tom Ongena in his renewal operation. I call on my liberal contemporaries to give new talents maximum opportunities.”

LOOK. Bart Somers returned to national politics four years ago

Somers also calls on the party leadership to choose a new face as his successor. “Such a choice would not only be courageous, it guarantees the credibility of the innovation operation that has been initiated.”

Striking: Somers also clearly indicates that he will return to the Flemish Parliament. Party chairman Tom Ongena was his successor and therefore loses his seat. “You were minister of Living Together, but also of Working Together,” Ongena responds to X. “A bridge builder. Always ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle the problems of Flemish people. Good luck to continue your good work in Mechelen!”

Somers will give a press conference in Mechelen on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The party promises news about the succession in the coming days.

LOOK. Who will succeed Minister Bart Somers?