Schaerbeek is facing a period of political instability as a power-sharing agreement between the Socialist Party (PS) and the Reformist Movement (MR) attempts to navigate a fragmented local political landscape. The agreement calls for the mayorship to be shared, with the MR taking the position initially and Hasan Koyuncu of the PS assuming the role in February 2028, until the next municipal elections.
The arrangement has drawn criticism from within the governing coalition, as socialists express discontent with their MR counterparts.
Ecolo Schaerbeek, as well part of the majority coalition, released a statement following the departure of Audrey Henry: “After months of negotiations during which the PS and MR fought each other, they finally agreed to share it over the remaining years. Schaerbeek therefore found itself with two mayors. New twist: Schaerbeek will therefore not have two but three mayors! Today, Audrey Henry becomes Secretary of State. Good luck to her. Schaerbeek is returning to the clumsy system of an acting mayor while, more than ever, the second largest municipality in Brussels needs a full-time mayor. In any case, Ecolo Groen remains faithful to the post and remains loyal to the commitment made to the people of Schaerbeek and its partners.”
“Mais dans quel pays sommes-nous ?” Georges-Louis Bouchez ne veut pas …
“An absurd situation,” according to MR coalition partners
Les Engagés, who are in a coalition with the MR in Schaerbeek, echoed similar concerns: “We congratulate Audrey Henry on this fine personal development. We understand and share the unease felt by some citizens in the face of this decision in a complex local political situation. We had accepted the compromise concluded between the PS and the MR consisting of having an MR mayor for 3 years and a PS mayor for 3 years. This situation, already precarious but necessary to ensure stability, today becomes absurd with 3 mayors in 6 years! Our leader, Cédric Mahieu, remains 100% committed within the College, as promised during the election campaign, and will loyally collaborate in the implementation of the majority program and the three-year management plan.”
“Decision-making will be regional, attachment remains deeply rooted in the City of Donkeys”
Audrey Henry, when contacted, defended her party’s position: “Through my appointment, the MR propels Schaerbeek to the heart of the challenges facing the Brussels-Capital Region. Proof of respect, if any were needed, has been given.”
In a social media post, she elaborated: “Our municipality is not a line on a CV as some want to imply, with dark political ulterior motives […] Urban planning. Urban development. Cleanliness…. These are the skills that have been entrusted to me within the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region. Structuring subjects. Those that shape our neighborhoods. I chose to take on this challenge, I am convinced that I will be able to act more broadly and more effectively. For all Brussels residents and therefore for Schaerbeek. I understand the questions. They are legitimate. My commitment is changing. Despite what some may say, I still live in Schaerbeek, I walk its streets every day, again, and again. Decision-making will be regional, attachment remains deeply rooted in the City of Donkeys.”
In Uccle, where Mayor Boris Dilliès (MR) has been appointed Minister-President, and where the mayorship passes to the first MR alderman Valentine Delwart, the reaction has been different. Ecolo, the MR’s coalition partner, wished “all the best” to both liberals in their new roles and pledged to continue the long-standing collaboration at the municipal level. The shifting political landscape underscores the challenges of coalition building in Brussels.
