Elections 2024: Vlaams Belang’s crucial battle for Ninove
All eyes are on Ninove in the upcoming local elections, where Vlaams Belang is engaged in a crucial battle to secure one of its few opportunities for significant political power. A left-wing alliance tries to prevent a far-right victory.
On 13 October, far-right party Vlaams Belang hopes to do what it could not in June: become Flanders’ biggest party. It would be the easiest way to break through the ‘cordon sanitaire’, an agreement between the other political parties to never govern with the far-right. To do so, it will have to start by conquering Ninove.
Since the 2018 municipal elections, Ninove has been a stronghold for Vlaams Belang. At that time, Guy D’Haeseleer’s Forza Ninove (Vlaams Belang) captured 15 out of 33 seats, narrowly missing an absolute majority. Consequently, a coalition of other parties sidelined D’Haeseleer and his team.
This October, Forza Ninove is poised for a comeback, aiming to secure the absolute majority they narrowly missed before. With no party, including the right-wing N-VA, willing to partner with them, achieving this majority is seen as the only path to obtaining the mayoral position. The goal is within their grasp.
Struggle for power
However, it won’t be easy. In June, a combined socialist and green electoral list was introduced to counter a potential far-right victory. Prominent political figures such as Conner Rousseau (Vooruit) and Petra De Sutter (Groen) have also become involved. They visited the town to support the candidates and emphasise the significance of collaboration among progressive parties.
There is also N-VA to consider. Despite predictions of a far-right surge, the conservative party maintained its position as Belgium’s largest in the June elections. N-VA has also made it clear that the cordon sanitaire will remain in place in Ninove, citing insurmountable ideological differences. Additionally, Positief Ninove - a coalition of Open VLD, CD&V, and independents - could also impact the election if it succeeds in drawing votes away from Vlaams Belang.
D’Haeseleer’s battle is thus far from over. The struggle for political dominance in Ninove has only just begun. Whether Forza Ninove can surpass N-VA and overcome left-wing opposition alliances remains to be seen. The campaign over the next few weeks will provide a clearer picture of its prospects.
#FlandersNewsService | Forza Ninove (Vlaams Belang) chairman Guy D'Haeseleer in Ninove © BELGA PHOTO KEVIN WOUTERS