Centrist party DéFI might undergo a rebranding and name change, according to party president Sophie Rohonyi, who made the announcement on LN24.
Following their defeat in the federal and regional elections in June, the party suffered another loss in the recent municipal elections. The party is mainly known for defending the rights of French-speakers around the Brussels-Capital Region.
"We must be humble and clear-eyed, and recognise that this was a defeat," Rohonyi admitted. However, she praised the two absolute majorities secured in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Auderghem.
Rohonyi believes this defeat necessitates a "reconstruction of DéFI."
She maintains that the amaranth party remains relevant in the political landscape, which should not be constrained to parties that promote “communalism and ultra-conservatism.”
Forming an alliance with another party, as previously done with the MR before the 6th state reform or as considered with Les Engagés, would be "an admission of weakness," she stated. "But it is a decision for all members," she added.
Rohonyi also discussed the political situation in Schaerbeek, where Bernard Clerfayt lost the mayoralty, though participation in the future majority remains possible. "DéFI’s expertise seems essential in a municipality like Schaerbeek," she argued. "I prefer taking several days to form a majority."
The party does not exclude working with PS leader Hasan Koyuncu, who won the most votes in Schaerbeek. However, Rohonyi seeks "guarantees on the principle" of state neutrality.
Koyuncu organised an event in February where an imam delivered a prayer at the podium of the Brussels regional parliament. For Rohonyi, state neutrality is "not a minor issue."
