LOOK. The full studio conversation with new minister Gwendolyn Rutten (Open Vld)
“No, I am not ashamed,” replied new minister Gwendolyn Rutten (Open Vld) to the question that was asked en masse by viewers of VTM NIEUWS. “I understand that people have questions, but I have made this decision in good conscience and will defend it,” he said.
“I was very angry two weeks ago,” Rutten admits. “It was not a nice moment. The bucket was full and enough was enough, but you either stay angry or you decide to listen and see what you can do. ” The Open Vld politician reiterates that the humiliation by the party leadership was “very unpleasant”, but now asks himself whether it was smart to post those frustrations on Facebook. “I have learned a lesson. I cannot promise that I will not be angry anymore, but I will think.”
Bart Somers not only stepped aside for Mechelen, but also to give the party “the space to continue working on innovation.” However, Rutten’s career with the Liberals goes back to 1999 when she started working at the headquarters. “I’m not a new face. I’ve been around for a while. That’s right.”
“But because of the files on the table – nitrogen and the budget – we needed someone who could participate from day one.” Rutter promises that innovation within her party will not remain a dead letter. “Of course the party must innovate. We will also do that on the lists.”
In the studio of VTM NIEUWS, she finally admits that the trajectory of her party in recent weeks is “not something to be proud of”. “Hopefully we are almost through. A party sometimes goes through a turbulent period. If we could rewind time, we probably would have done a few things differently.”