Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Els van Doesburg (N-VA) returns as Antwerp’s acting mayor after maternity leave, also taking over Social Affairs and Elderly Care. At the same time, Bart De Wever remains mayor in title.
As VRT News reported, Els van Doesburg (N-VA) has returned to Antwerp City Hall to resume her role as acting mayor after a more than 3-month absence. In mid-May 2025, she relinquished her position to go on maternity leave for the delivery of her first child, a son named Marcel, and continued her vacation after that on parental leave.
Since the official mayor of the city, Bart De Wever, has been acting as Flemish minister-president, Van Doesburg had already been made acting mayor in his stead. During her leave, first alderman Koen Kennis (N-VA) carried out the responsibilities of acting mayor and guided the city council.
What role will Els van Doesburg (N-VA) play in Antwerp’s leadership?
Bart De Wever retains the title of mayor, yet his position as minister-president places the daily management of city affairs in the hands of a party colleague. At the age of 36, Van Doesburg is seen as one of the younger political figures within N-VA, now entrusted with maintaining the continuity of city affairs.
Els van Doesburg (N-VA) also takes over Social Affairs and Elderly Care. These tasks were handled by Alderman Nathalie Van Baeren (N-VA) until today. Van Baeren has started her maternity leave, so Van Doesburg must add the new portfolio to her agenda. The policy areas deal with welfare, support for families, and care for older residents.
Her first public event after her leave will be during the Bollekesfeesten this weekend. The mayor will tap the first Bolleke Koninck to open the celebration. The moment will mark her official return to the public stage. The Bollekesfeesten combine local beer, food, and music, and the opening is seen as a symbolic task for the city’s leader.
36-year-old Els van Doesburg is a politician for N-VA and the acting mayor of Antwerp. She studied law and entered local politics in 2012 as a city councillor. Over the years, she built a profile in health, youth and communication policy. In 2021, she stepped in as acting mayor when Bart De Wever became Flemish minister-president.
