Municipalities 2024: A Vibrant Palette of Political Change in Wallonia
So, hold onto your hats, folks! The political landscape of Wallonia is shifting faster than a magician pulling rabbits out of hats—or is it party mascots out of ballot boxes? In this thrilling electoral drama, some municipalities have switched colors like a chameleon on a disco floor since the last election in 2018. Who knew Walloon politics could be this electrifying? It’s like watching a soap opera, only with fewer awkward love interests and more acrimonious debates about budget allocations!
Let’s set the stage with our sharp-tongued former federal minister of Energy. After her Sunday of strategic pondering—which might as well have been a cross between a crystal ball reading and watching a few reruns of Game of Thrones—she announces, “It came to fruition as the results were gathered.” An insightful turn of phrase, though we’re still uncertain if the results are like children at a birthday party waiting for the cake or more like politicians waiting for the next controversy.
“Oh, the MR was reigned in on two occasions,” she muses, as she reminisces about the glory days of political battles long past. “When I triumphed over Christian Massy in 2006, we were tossed to the opposition like yesterday’s leftovers.” Classic! It’s like she’s giving a running commentary on a political game of dodgeball where the PS thinks they’re winning, while secretly dodging a lot of reality!
Now, enter Tournai’s new fabulous trio: the MR, the Engagés, and Ecolo! This coalition wants to turn the page on the age-old mantra of ‘more of the same’ and aims to stir up some change. “The PS is floundering in its understanding of the democratic logic of alternation,” claims Mayor Marie-Christine Marghem, channeling her inner philosopher. We know, Marie-Christine, we know—it’s easy to miss the bus when it’s passing by your delusions of grandeur! But fear not; our new coalition is pumped to re-launch things differently, with faces that don’t remind us of last decade’s political scandals.
However, there’s a lurking question: will this vibrant coalition have enough muscle at the assembly with only 23 seats out of 39? One potential red flag is raised: “Could this be a recipe for chaos?” Nah! It’s probably more of a “let’s see how much fun we can have before the music stops” situation. Remember, folks, democracy is like a dance; it often involves stepping on each other’s toes!”
They’ve played their cards nicely in terms of seats distribution too: the MR snagged 4, the Engagés 3, and Ecolo 2, as if they were on a team-building retreat figuring out how to allocate work tasks. But, wait a minute, who’s chairing the CPAS? Now there’s a mystery worthy of an Agatha Christie novel! “Let’s stabilize our agreement first before we figure out who gets to wear the fancy office chair,” they decide. Sounds like a plan, right?
In conclusion, as we gear up for the 2024 municipal elections, one thing is sure: the dynamics in Walloon municipalities are changing as quickly as your average cat meme goes viral. Get your popcorn ready, because this political rollercoaster promises to be one heck of a ride. Just remember—whatever happens, one thing remains clear: voters love a colorful show, and it seems like Wallonia is delivering more variety than ever!
Municipalities 2024: which Walloon municipalities have changed color since 2018, depending on the party scores? (before-after map)
“This scenario could not come true if the figures did not allow us to do so. All day Sunday, I thought about it and it came to fruition as the results were gathered,” indicates the former federal minister (of Energy) who has thirty years of experience in municipal life.
She recalls that she twice achieved the best score, and that on two occasions the MR had been relegated to the opposition. “When in 2006 I overtook Christian Massy, we were relegated to the opposition, while the signal from the voter was, in terms of preferred votes, to grant my person the greatest representation. So , when today I hear the PS claim that the democratic signal would be flouted, I am surprised: not only did Paul-Olivier Delannois not call us on Sunday, but he forgets collective representativeness and a clear wish of the voter: two out of three parties in the new majority have increased in terms of seats”.
An MR-Engaged-Ecolo majority in Tournai: Marie-Christine Marghem mayor, the PS in opposition
Political renewal is at the heart of the alliance’s project, insists Ms. Marghem. “The PS does not want to understand the democratic logic of alternation, this desire to launch new projects, to do things differently, with new faces…”
Will the majority not be a little short (23 seats out of 39) to envisage six years of legislature with a certain serenity? “If another formula had been chosen, we would arrive at the same arithmetic result. Ultimately the electorate expressed what it wanted, and we will show what we are capable of doing. It will be very important to listen of our fellow citizens to carry out our projects and I think that we will be supported even more strongly next time.”
The alliance was concluded on the basis of four seats granted to the MR, three to the Engagés, and two to Ecolo. The agreement does not stipulate who will chair the CPAS. “We have taken the necessary time to stabilize our agreement, now we will work on the details.”
