UpdateThe nerves were on edge, the stakes were high. But after almost three hours of meetings with the members of Vooruit Antwerpen at the Paardenmarkt, the verdict was reached: Jinnih Beels is renouncing her position as party leader in the municipal elections on her own initiative. That list is completely open again. However, she remains the undisputed party leader in the federal elections in the Antwerp electoral district. There has been no vote.
Philippe Truyts, Sander Bral, Junior Verhelst, Lien Verlinden
28-03-24, 19:58
Latest update:
00:11
11 p.m. Bad news: Jinnih Beels stops as party leader. “Not a single party member asked for this,” said Dirk Wiesé, who led a group of conciliators in recent weeks.
Beels announced her decision: “I have a great love for my city and it is a great honor to be an alderman in Antwerp. Thanks to us, the city once again got a social face and I am personally very proud of that. In a non-evident coalition, as a junior partner, we have succeeded, among other things, in providing school meals for our children and young people, we have introduced practical tests, and in 6 months we have set up an emergency school for students from exceptional backgrounds. education.”
“My focus now is on the national elections of June 9, for which I am campaigning with great enthusiasm. But that also means that I will turn the local page at the end of my mandate. We have had a good General Meeting, and I am convinced that peace can finally return. I am confident that the party will appoint a new local party leader to continue our work after 2024.”
“Enthusiasm”
“The focus must be on the people of Antwerp and their concerns; from being able to walk safely on the street to affordable bills, both in the city and beyond. In the coming months, together with all Vooruit departments in the province of Antwerp, I will do everything I can to convince voters. Moving forward is the only alternative to combating the extremes and coming up with realistic solutions. So I hope to gain the confidence of the people of Antwerp to defend their interests in the federal parliament. In any case, I feel on the street and on the ground, in all my conversations with people, that there is a lot of enthusiasm for what we do,” Beels concludes.
“Very open discussion”
Dirk Wiesé came to address the press. “I honestly didn’t expect it, but it was a very pleasant meeting. Everything that needed to be said has been said. A very open discussion. The ranks are really closed.”
The most important headline has fallen for this: that of Jinnih Beels, Alderman for Education and Youth. Wiesé: “She is no longer party leader in Antwerp. She made that decision herself. Not a single member asked for it, there was no vote.” Wiesé would have preferred a different outcome, he is honest about that. Beels still draws the list for the House. Does she still enjoy support from Antwerp’s supporters there? “For sure,” says Wiesé. “Everyone supports her campaign. Also in Antwerp. We won’t see who will form the Antwerp list until the end of June.”
What about Luyckx?
Many might have expected that it was chairman Sascha Luyckx who had to be sacrificed. But nothing was said about that. He remains chairman of Vooruit Antwerpen.
National chairman Melissa Depraetere also thought it was worthwhile to come to Antwerp this time, instead of summoning the Antwerp delegation to Brussels. She did choose the back entrance. Wiesé: “She emphasizes that she respects Jinnih’s decision. All noses are now pointing towards June.”
10:50 p.m: End of meeting.
10:30 PM. The conversations would go along well. “Fruitful conversations, that’s how it goes with the socialists,” it is said. The membership meeting could end around 11 p.m.
It will almost certainly be a very long meeting. There are approximately 200 people in the room.
20 hours. Vooruit chairman Melissa Depraetere discreetly chooses the back entrance, but cannot escape the cameras. She remains silent before she enters. Tatjana Scheck, newly appointed alderman for Social Affairs, also keeps all comments to herself.
7:50 PM. Jinnih Beels arrives. “I will mainly listen to the members. Speak for yourself? Don’t be too curious.” (Wink). Kathleen Van Brempt maintains that ‘it will all turn out fine’. Will she pull the list in October? “No,” she shakes.
Former mayor Leona Detiège tells the assembled press that she hopes for an agreement this evening. “It will be important what happens after the parliamentary elections on June 9. We will see if Jinnih Beels can remain party leader.”
High tension around the members’ meeting of deeply divided Antwerp socialists: will leaders soon be killed or will ranks be closed?
Jinnih Beels (Vooruit) again lashes out at former alderman Meeuws: “I hope that common sense prevails, not emotions”
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Tags: Jinnih Beels longer party leader municipal elections focus national elections peace finally return Antwerp municipal elections
