Vooruit chairman Melissa Depraetere: “Jinnih Beels is our party leader for the local elections” (Antwerp)

“Jinnih Beels is our party leader for the local elections in Antwerp, but nothing is certain in politics.” Vooruit chairman Melissa Depraetere had to walk a tightrope in front of the cameras on Thursday Villa politician about the important members meeting of the Antwerp chapter.

The Antwerp members of Vooruit meet on Thursday evening at the Paardenmarkt for a general membership meeting. The political future of Jinnih Beels as a local figurehead is at stake there. There has been a storm in the department for weeks, after the sudden dismissal of Alderman Tom Meeuws. The fact that Beels does not refrain from following up causes internal tensions.

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Chairman Melissa Depraetere hopes that the Antwerp members will be able to ventilate well on Thursday evening. “There has been a lot of fuss in the department, now it is time to turn the page. Only then can we focus on those things that really concern people,” says the politician.

Depraetere understands the running emotions. “Tom resigned very unexpectedly a few weeks ago. That brings a lot of emotions, especially because he is very loved by the members and has done a lot for his city.”

Head woman

The question that really matters: can Jinnih Beels remain as Antwerp party leader in the local elections in October? “Jinnih Beels’ party leadership was already decided last year,” says Depraetere. “She is clearly our leader in Antwerp. Jinnih is our party leader.” At the same time, the party chairman does not rule out that things could turn out completely differently in the future. “Nothing is certain in politics,” she cleverly notes.

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A scenario would be on the table in the Antwerp department in which Beels would be the local party leader on hold will be postponed until after the June 9 elections, writes The standard. That would mean enormous damage to the Vooruit figurehead, who also heads the list for the federal elections. That position is not up for debate.