Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper): In Sint-Niklaas, N-VA’s Lieven Dehandschutter remains mayor, forming a coalition with Vooruit and CD&V. Vooruit, led by Conner Rousseau, gained 7 seats. The new administration plans to improve safety, develop key areas, and enhance public services.
N-VA recently governed Sint-Niklaas alongside Groen and Open VLD, but in the latest elections, Groen lost seats (from 6 to 3) and the liberals lost both of their seats. The socialists, led by Rousseau, gained significantly, increasing their seats from 5 to 12. Mayor Dehandschutter has now formed a majority with N-VA and the socialists, totaling 26 out of 43 seats, and CD&V has also joined the coalition. Dehandschutter will remain mayor, with the same four N-VA aldermen continuing in their roles.
How will the N-VA and Vooruit coalition transform Sint-Niklaas?
It has been said that Kris Van der Coelden from Vooruit will be the alderman for Spatial Planning, Urban Development, Public Domain, and Hospitality. Ghizlane Benabdellah will oversee Events, Youth, and Sports, while Adelheid Van Hauwermeiren will manage Education, Animal Welfare, and Tourism, and chair the social service. For CD&V, Kristof Van Gansen will handle Welfare, Agriculture, and Climate. Conner Rousseau will not take a position in Sint-Niklaas but will serve on the municipal council, saying it’s important to use the votes he received.
Mayor Lieven Dehandschutter announced that the new administration created a detailed agreement after discussions. The plan focuses on improving safety with a police station at the train station and developing three key areas in Sint-Niklaas. They also aim to renovate Hendrik Heymanplein, adding a new library and a center for children, while enhancing bus services for better access to the city center. The cooperation between Vooruit and N-VA is progressing well, and Rousseau hopes for similar results in federal negotiations.
