Green party Ecolo in crisis as co-leaders quit together
Belgium’s francophone green party, Ecolo, entered a new phase of turmoil on Wednesday after co-leader Marie Lecocq announced she would resign. Her counterpart, Samuel Cogolati, immediately followed suit, having previously said he would link his future to hers.
Lecocq made the announcement on RTBF’s Matin Première, saying it had become impossible for the pair to continue working together. She expressed regret and criticised the timing of the internal confrontation. She said was still seeking clarity on why Cogolati had unexpectedly pushed for a collective resignation earlier in the week.
Their resignations come after months of internal tension. Since Ecolo’s heavy defeat in the 2024 elections and continued weak polling, the two leaders have disagreed on strategy. Cogolati pushed for a shift towards the political centre to win back moderate voters, while Lecocq favoured a clearer left-wing profile. The dispute paralysed the party and caused growing internal frustration.
Pressure intensified this week as mediators and party heavyweights urged both to step down to avoid a divisive dismissal vote at Friday’s party council. The pair will now attend the meeting with a limited mandate to organise new leadership elections.
The crisis has also revived debate on whether Ecolo should abandon its traditional dual presidency. Some within the party are calling for a move towards a single party leader, similar to the system reintroduced by Flemish sister party Groen. Any such change, however, would mark a major break with Ecolo tradition, which has long required gender-balanced co-presidents.
Marie Lecocq and Samuel Cogolati © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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