Now that the end of their legislature is approaching, the BRUZZ-editing the reports of the Dutch-speaking parliamentarians in the capital. In addition to figures regarding the number of parliamentary questions, interpellations, bills and resolutions, the impact and media presence of our politicians were also taken into account.
A total of seventeen parliamentarians in the Brussels parliament were assessed, and six from the Flemish parliament. “We see both hard-working parliamentarians and colleagues who take little initiative,” says political chief Steven Van Garsse. “Although that is usually the case.”
Van Garsse also notes that social media are gaining in importance. “For example, Els Ampe (Voor U) was not very active in parliament, but enjoyed a lot of fame outside of it.”
New talent
Some new talents stood out. “Jan Busselen (PVDA), among others, or Gilles Verstraeten (N-VA) and Celia Groothedde (Green), new MPs who were still able to weigh in thanks to their efforts.”
On the other hand, Van Garsse also saw former ministers who reinvented themselves. “Someone like Bianca Debaets (CD&V) managed to have an impact on the parliamentary debate by entering into partnerships on the French-speaking side and with the N-VA.”
But perhaps the most important finding is the political renewal that is coming in 2024. Many incumbent politicians are quitting, and so many new people will be on the lists. “We can expect a changing of the guard,” says Van Garsse.
Tags: Political chief reports Brussels parliamentarians Renewal
