De Croo: “We will take time to choose Somers’ successor” | Flemish government

LOOK. Who will succeed Minister Bart Somers?

Somers unexpectedly announced tonight that he would quit as a minister in the Flemish government. He will resume his position as mayor in Mechelen.

“I was aware of it,” De Croo said in response. “I would like to thank Somers, he has been a wonderful minister who has played a very important role in the Flemish government and in previous Flemish governments.”

“Everyone knows that Bart has a big heart for Mechelen and that he wants to further invest his political energy in Mechelen,” the Prime Minister continues. “He had already indicated when the list was being formed that he no longer wanted to be party leader.”

De Croo indicates that there are still many files awaiting a decision in the Flemish government. However, the party will take the time to look for a good successor.

Somers’ decision is being welcomed as a surprise by the opposition parties in Mechelen. The city council will hold a press conference tomorrow, but acting mayor Alexander Vandersmissen will keep it to a short response on social media for the time being.

“Every now and then a situation presents itself and I tackled it with both hands four years ago. I am truly grateful and proud that I have been able to serve as mayor over the past four years during some of the biggest crises our country has ever known: corona, Ukraine, the energy crisis…’, Vandersmissen writes.

“As chairman of our social housing company, I was also able to serve those Mechelen residents who often have the most difficult times for ten years. A politician cannot and should not wish for more: being able to make a difference for his city and its residents, especially in difficult moments. And I will continue to do so in the future, in whatever capacity or position.” The consequences of Somers’ return to the council will only become clear tomorrow afternoon.

Kristof Calvo, faction leader of the city list that has an absolute majority in Mechelen, keeps it short. “The Flemish government will miss Bart as a bridge builder, but this is good news for Mechelen. Bart is our mayor, the locomotive of our city #2800love.”

The opposition is mainly astonished. “I am extremely surprised by this decision,” says Thijs Verbeurgt, party leader of Vooruit. “I am not going to comment on the personnel policy of other parties, but I can only applaud every positive choice for our city. I would like to expressly thank the current mayor for the difficult work he has done during the Covid period.”