“The moment feels today to take a new direction,” says Vandenberghe (53). “Not out of necessity, but from a deeply personal insight and feeling. Mayoring is my second child. I say goodbye to it with pride, gratitude and warm memories.”
The transition to a new team and mayor is done carefully and with an eye for continuity, says his party Vooruit.
Vandenberghe remains available until the beginning of January 2026, at the start of the new multi-year plan 2026-2031. But an earlier transfer is negotiable and certainly realistic when the team is ready, says Vooruit.
“Just like with my farewell as a school director, I don’t just leave my team behind. I want to give them all the space from tomorrow to continue their way. I will help them with this and support them as long as necessary. We do this with respect and in mutual consultation.”