Liesbeth Homans (N-VA) will remain chairman of the Flemish Parliament until the end of 2024. Although the post would go to Vooruit, the party chooses not to make a hasty decision. The opposition is critical, but Vooruit wants to focus on stability in the transition to the new Flemish government.
Liesbeth Homans, the current Flemish Parliament Speaker, will remain in post for a few more months. Normally, Vooruit would provide the new chairman, but the party has not yet appointed a successor. This is confirmed by Vooruit chairman Conner Rousseau, who emphasizes that the party does not want to rush with this appointment.
“Now moving around with posts is of no use to the Flemish,” Rousseau stated in the news. In the coming weeks, Vooruit first wants to concentrate on a smooth transition to the new Flemish government.
Unexpected situation in parliament
The division of powers in the new Flemish government gave Vooruit only two ministerial posts, compared to five for N-VA. In exchange, Vooruit was allowed to supply the new chairman of the Flemish Parliament. But the party has no candidate ready and wants Homans to stay on until the end of the year.
Rousseau is full of praise for her work: “Mrs. Homans has proven in recent years that she fulfills this role well. She is the right person to guide that transition in the coming months.” However, it remains remarkable that there is no immediate change after the installation of the new government.
Municipal elections play a role
According to the Belga news agency, preparations for the 2024 municipal elections play a role in the postponement. Several Vooruit MPs, such as Hannes Anaf, party leader in Turnhout, might lose their seats in the Flemish Parliament after the elections if they become mayor. As a result, the party wants to proceed cautiously.
“Our faction could look completely different within a few weeks,” said the Vooruit party leadership. “That is why we have chosen to let Homans stay on until the end of this year. This gives us time to find the right profile for the position.”
Criticism from the opposition
Vooruit’s decision has met with criticism from the opposition. Tom Ongena, leader of Open Vld, speaks of a “disgrace” and criticizes the attitude of the socialists. “The Flemish Parliament is not horse trading,” Ongena responded sharply. He believes that postponing the decision shows little respect for Homans, who will now remain as “interim” chairman for months to come.
Vlaams Belang faction leader Chris Janssens is also critical. “It is clear that only the posts count,” he says. According to Janssens, the presidency of the Flemish Parliament is now being subordinated to political games within Vooruit and the possible mayoral positions.
Green co-chairman Jeremie Vaneeckhout joins the criticism. “The presidency of the Flemish Parliament is not a consolation prize. This postponement is incomprehensible,” says Vaneeckhout.
