The mayor of Staden in West Flanders, Francesco Vanderjeugd, has announced he will not run for re-election in the October municipal elections, following the controversy over his screening of an explicit video of himself at a party event.
The incident occurred on 7 June during the closing of the liberal party’s West Flanders campaign at a summer bar. That night, Vanderjeugd showed a self-made, sexually suggestive video to a group of young adults in their twenties.
The incident sparked controversy and condemnation, including from the Open VLD party.
On Sunday, Vanderjeugd emotionally expressed via Facebook Live his decision to step down as mayor of Staden at the end of this term.
Contending it was his own choice and not due to any pressure, he admitted, "I am human, making mistakes and misjudging situations." Concerning his future, he said, "I need to find the right path and answers to become a better version of myself."
Previously, Vanderjeugd was implicated in a conflict of interest related to property purchase and sale in his municipality near the end of 2021.
The public prosecutor’s office initiated an inquiry, and he will have to answer in court in January 2025. Speaking on the controversy, Vanderjeugd expressed his regret, stating, "I apologise for casting our community in a bad light due to my actions."
