Could Bart De Wever Return as Antwerp Mayor
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever could eventually return to his former role as mayor of Antwerp if King Philippe accepts his resignation. However, political experts say such a move is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
De Wever is facing growing political pressure after failing to reach an agreement on Belgium’s federal budget. He is expected to submit his resignation to King Philippe, raising questions about what could happen next, not only at the federal level but also in Antwerp.
Can Bart De Wever become Antwerp’s mayor again?
Although De Wever is currently Belgium’s prime minister, he has never officially given up his position as Antwerp’s mayor. Instead, he holds the title of mayor while Els van Doesburg serves as acting mayor.
According to political scientist Dave Sinardet, De Wever could return to Antwerp and resume his mayoral duties if he is no longer prime minister.
De Wever has previously said that he enjoyed being mayor of Antwerp more than serving as head of the federal government.
Belgium has a political system in which national politicians can retain their local mayoral positions while temporarily unable to carry out their duties. Former politicians Bart Somers and Vincent Van Quickenborne also returned to local government after leaving national politics.
Why De Wever’s return may take time
Even if King Philippe accepts De Wever’s resignation, the prime minister would not necessarily leave office immediately.
He would remain in charge of a caretaker government until a new federal government is formed following the next elections.
Forming a new government in Belgium can take months, and sometimes much longer, because of complicated negotiations between political parties.
Sinardet therefore believes De Wever’s return to Antwerp is not an immediate possibility.
What would happen to Els van Doesburg?
If De Wever eventually returns as mayor, Els van Doesburg would move back to her previous position as an Antwerp city council member responsible for specific policy areas, known as an alderman.
Nathalie van Baren, who took Van Doesburg’s former council position, would return to her seat on the municipal council. These changes are covered by Belgium’s Local Government Decree.
However, the political situation could lead to further changes within Antwerp’s city administration.
Could Antwerp’s city government also change?
Political scientist Sinardet says the N-VA party could use De Wever’s return as an opportunity to redistribute responsibilities within the Antwerp city government.
This could become particularly important if reports about Koen Kennis, Antwerp’s first alderman, potentially becoming governor of the National Bank of Belgium turn out to be true.
Kennis currently holds several important responsibilities and has extensive knowledge of local political issues.
Sinardet also questions whether Els van Doesburg could take on a powerful role as a senior alderman if De Wever returns.
He points to tensions within Antwerp’s governing coalition, including disagreements with coalition partner Vooruit. One major controversy involved the Israeli flag displayed at Antwerp City Hall, which reportedly damaged trust between the political partners.
What happens next?
For now, Bart De Wever’s political future remains uncertain. King Philippe must first decide whether to accept his resignation, and Belgium could face a lengthy period of caretaker government and political negotiations.
For Antwerp, a return by De Wever could eventually bring changes to the city’s leadership, responsibilities and political balance. However, residents should not expect an immediate change at City Hall.
