Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter will not be a candidate for the leadership of the Flemish greens, Groen.
The Flemish politician, who left the European Parliament as an MEP in 2020 to become Europe's first transgender minister, believes the party needs a different type of leadership at its helm.
The party has suffered significant electoral setbacks this year, with a need to rebuild support in the Flemish Region.
"Groen needs a leader who sets a clear and decisive course. Leadership is recognising when to give others opportunities," stated her entourage.
In mid-October, current co-leaders Nadia Naji and Jeremie Vaneeckhout announced they would not seek re-election in December.
As a high profile politician, De Sutter’s name had been circulated as a potential successor. She is seen as someone who could unite the party and appeal to a broad audience.
After weeks of consideration, the Deputy Prime Minister decided not to run, stating it was in the party’s best interest.
"As an opposition party at the federal and Flemish levels, Groen needs a strong and clear voice. I see myself more as a cautious and composed leader. The party now needs someone with more assertiveness to maintain voter confidence," she explained.
De Sutter intends to focus on her role as head of the parliamentary Groen group after leaving the government.
She is not the first prominent Groen member to decline a presidential bid. Former group leader Kristof Calvo and Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten have also expressed no interest in the position. The deadline for candidacy submissions is 18 November.
