Valerie Van Peel elected leader of N-VA
Former MP Valerie Van Peel has been elected as the new chair of the N-VA. The 45-year-old succeeds Bart De Wever, who has stepped down after more than two decades at the helm to become prime minister. Van Peel was the only candidate in the race.
De Wever’s leadership began in October 2004, a year marked by the Marc Dutroux trial, Xandee's Eurovision entry 1 Life, the Indian Ocean tsunami and the re-election of George W Bush. Facebook was just getting started. Now, after 20 years, the party enters a new chapter.
Return to politics
Van Peel, a former party spokesperson and 10-year member of the House of Representatives, had stepped away from politics after a leading a long campaign for asbestos victims that ended in frustration.
"Still, something kept nagging at me," she said when announcing her candidacy. “When in some parts of the world it is becoming painfully clear how the spirit of the times can propel extremes, when cooperation is needed more than ever, I felt that I could not stand by and watch … I felt the strength and fighting spirit again, the will to make a difference in our society.”
Her candidacy quickly gained the backing of party leadership. The lack of challengers suggests broad internal support, although it remains to be seen how unanimous the final vote tally will be.
Van Peel has signalled continuity rather than a change of direction for the party.
#FlandersNewsService | Valerie Van Peel © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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