In Ypres, Emmily Talpe (Open Ypres) replaces Vooruit with CD&V in city list for municipal elections

Vooruit must make way for CD&V: “After many discussions it became clear that we are on the same page with Open Ypres, CD&V and N-VA regarding our ambitions for Ypres.

Common list

Emmily Talpe announced in May that she is again a candidate for mayor. Even then she let slip that a city list was one of the possibilities for her, if there was agreement on the content. Open Ypres found that like-minded vision at CD&V and N-VA. “The agreement with N-VA has already been apparent over the past five years, with CD&V as the opposition party, the click has grown. It will be a strong substantive project with one enthusiastic and cohesive team.” Emmily Talpe leads the list, Katrien Desomer becomes list pusher, N-VA joins with Dimitry Soenen from 4th place.

“Convinced that this is the best choice”

It is remarkable that the current coalition partner, Vooruit, falls by the wayside. CD&V suffered an election defeat in 2018 and had to move to the opposition benches after many decades. But by joining the city list, the pieces seem glued.

The name of the new city list will have to wait until October 13. But it is certain that Open Ypres, CD&V and N-VA will appeal to the electorate together. The parties announced this at a press conference. “Maybe a surprise to some, but after a lot of conversations and discussions we are convinced that this is the best choice. We are all on the same page with regard to our vision for Ypres and have already established the most important substantive guidelines for our programme. Through the joint list, we provide clarity to voters,” says Emmily Talpe.

Ten spearheads

Already today, the city list is launching a first series of 10 spearheads:

1. In terms of mobility, Ypres wants to be a city that is and remains accessible to everyone. The wave of investment in a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly city is being strengthened. Shop&Go is being rolled out further.
2. The Grote Markt is due for an upgrade with more greenery and a well-thought-out car policy. A study will be conducted into the possibilities for an underground car park under the Grote Markt as an alternative to parking spaces above ground. A cut between the Rijselstraat and D’Hondtstraat is also being considered.
3. A real village plan is proposed for the sub-municipalities, with attention to, among other things, the quality of life and the repurposing of churches. We are introducing ‘village policy’ as a separate competence.
4. There is further and more intensive focus on city marketing, events, local economy, associations and culture in the center and sub-municipalities.
5. We are investigating the possibilities for swimming in the open air in response to the simplified Flemish regulations.
6. We will continue to focus on the renewal of the head of the canal. A plan is being drawn up to upgrade the marina in terms of both experience and visual appearance. The mobility puzzle there is also being reviewed.
7. There will be one upgraded service center for Ypres, including childcare.
8. Space and a business-friendly climate for our companies and farmers, with an important role for spatial planning.
9. Feasible climate ambitions.
10. Cleanliness and green maintenance are priorities.

The three parties insist that they will watch over the city’s treasury with due diligence. These are still financially challenging times, but there will be no increase in municipal taxes.

What do CD&V and N-VA say?

“After a lot of preparatory work, exploratory talks and finally a firm agreement, this is the culmination of months of negotiations. We are ready to take the reins again in the next legislature after 6 years of opposition. We take on this challenge with full enthusiasm. And with full conviction we will also ask voters for their confidence in this”, says a satisfied party leader of CD&V, Katrien Desomer.

More greenery and a well-thought-out policy regarding cars in the centre, renewed attention to the quality of life in our villages, more investments in footpaths and cycle paths and extra childcare are four themes that are close to our hearts as a partner. We looked for and found a partner in this at both Open Ypres and N-VA.

It may come as a surprise that Katrien Desomer pushes the list, but that choice was also made deliberately. “First or last place makes no difference in the ambition that I personally, and together with this team, have to run this city. I also want to show that I fully support this project and support the decision 100%,” said the leader of CD&V.

Dimitry Soenen of N-VA: “With this ambitious plan, we are taking determined steps to prepare Ypres for the future and to create a warm home for everyone, and we are also fully committed to attracting young families. By nurturing our rich historical heritage while anticipating what tomorrow will bring, we are strong as a city to face upcoming challenges with confidence. In collaboration with our fellow parties, we have developed a balanced program that we fully support. It is about the vision and well-being of Ypres, today and in the futuret.”