Brussels – Belgium’s Vooruit party has appointed 21-year-old Mauro Michielsen as a senator, a move the party says is aimed at facilitating the eventual abolition of the Senate. The unexpected co-option of a young politician into the upper house highlights a complex political strategy within Belgium, where reforming governmental structures has proven challenging.
Michielsen, a municipal council member in Leuven and a sociology student at the VUB in Brussels, will serve as a senator despite Vooruit chairman Conner Rousseau previously stating the party would not fill any Senate seats. That initial stance was intended to pressure other parties to support the abolition of the Senate, a goal explicitly included in the federal coalition agreement. However, abolishing the Senate requires a two-thirds majority, necessitating Vooruit’s participation to ensure the measure can pass.
“That is the only reason why we are appointing a senator,” a party spokesperson stated, according to reports. The appointment underscores the pragmatic approach Vooruit is taking to achieve its long-term objectives, even if it means temporarily reversing earlier commitments.
The move comes as Belgium’s political landscape continues to shift. Groen has accepted an invitation from MR to begin negotiations regarding the formation of a Brussels government. Elke Van den Brandt, a Brussels leader for Groen, stated the party is prepared to join discussions with seven parties, having previously proposed a similar formula. “We find no texts or tables provided yet, so we cannot comment on the content,” Van den Brandt said, expressing hope for a swift and effective resolution to the challenges facing Brussels.
The appointment of Michielsen, described as the youngest senator ever appointed, signals Vooruit’s determination to pursue Senate abolition despite the political hurdles. The party hopes his presence will be instrumental in securing the necessary support for the reform. More details on the appointment and the political context can be found here.
Information about Vooruit’s representatives can be found on their website.
Additional reporting on the appointment of Mauro Michielsen is available on MSN.
