Guy D’haeseleer, the first Belgian far-right Mayor of Ninove and the prominent figure of Vlaams Belang party, has undergone a successful liver transplant.
The operation took place at the University Hospital of Ghent after he was urgently admitted at the beginning of April, announced Vlaams Belang on Saturday afternoon.
D’haeseleer was struggling with severe hepatitis, a serious liver infection that rapidly deteriorated his health. Finding a suitable donor liver was challenging, as it required a match that complied with strict medical conditions, including blood type, organ size, and transport time. Fortunately, a timely match with a suitable donor liver allowed the lifesaving procedure to proceed.
The surgery, which lasted over six hours, was successful. “An exceptionally risky procedure,” commented stepdaughter Malika Sclacmender, “but with the hoped-for positive outcome.” D’haeseleer stated that he will focus entirely on his recovery for now, saying, “Resting and rehabilitating is my priority at the moment.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the medical team at UZ Gent, saying, “Without the commitment and dedication of Professor-Doctor Hans Van Vlierberghe, Professor-Surgeon Hasan Eker, and their entire team, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
The politician is recovering and receiving medical follow-up at the hospital on Saturday afternoon. In the meantime, D’haeseleer has temporarily stepped down from his political duties. The daily operations in Ninove remain guaranteed, with alderman Ilse Malfroot temporarily assuming the role of mayor. Continuity in the city council has been ensured with a designated successor.
The coming weeks will be entirely dedicated to medical follow-up and rehabilitation. It is currently unknown when D’haeseleer will resume his duties.
