Mayor Nieuwpoort quits politics

Vanden Broucke announced his departure last night at a CD&V party meeting. A surprise to many, but the man will no longer participate in the municipal elections of October next year.

‘I thought about this decision for a long time, six months. But I will soon be 70 and it is time for other things: my family and grandchildren, travelling, culture, cycling and touring around with my classic car.

Vanden Broucke became mayor of Nieuwpoort in June 2016, after the death of mayor Roland Crabbe. During his term of office, building regulations became stricter to protect the historic character of the protected city center from apartments and high-rise buildings. He hopes that the next coalition will also have a green and liveable city for young and old in mind.

Bert Gunst’s successor?

Current councilor Bert Gunst seems to have the best cards to succeed Vanden Broucke, but that will be the subject of the list formation. In addition to Mayor Vanden Broucke, Alderman Frans Lefevre will also retire from active politics after this term.