Freya Van den Bossche to become speaker of the Flemish Parliament

As of 1 January 1 2025, Freya Van den Bossche will assume the role of speaker of the Flemish Parliament. The seasoned Vooruit politician will succeed Liesbeth Homans, who has held the position since the previous government took office.

Van den Bossche’s appointment stems from agreements made during the formation of the new Flemish government in September. While right-wing N-VA secured five ministerial posts, including the position of Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele, socialist Vooruit was granted the right to nominate the parliamentary speaker in exchange for holding just two ministerial positions.

Initially, Vooruit delayed naming a successor. Party leader Conner Rousseau said it was important to “find the right profile”. With Van den Bossche, the party has now chosen a senior politician to lead the parliament. “Freya has 25 years of political experience”, Rousseau said. “I’m thrilled that she has accepted this responsibility.”

Van den Bossche already expressed excitement about the new challenge. “When Conner asked me, I didn’t hesitate for a second. It’s a great honor to lead a parliament - the heart of our democracy. I’m incredibly eager to get started”, she said.

Unusual transition

The handover of the speaker’s role is unusual in its timing. The speaker usually starts when the new government is formed. The decision to have Liesbeth Homans continue in the position until the end of the year was to ensure “stability and continuity” during the transition between the outgoing and incoming governments, according to Rousseau.

Municipal elections also played a role in the delay, as several parliamentarians - including some potential candidates for the speaker role - were vying for local political positions. 

​​^{​​#FlandersNewsService | Freya Van den Bossche © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}