Kitir announced Tuesday that she would be temporarily stepping aside for her mental well-being. However, it seems that it was not after a medical suggestion as first reported, but rather a suggestion from Vooruit leader Conner Rousseau.
According to Knack, Development Minister Meryame Kitir is leaving a cabinet "in chaos" after temporarily stepping down over mental health concerns. The minister "mentally hit her limits and that affected the functioning of the cabinet," a source confirmed to Belga.
Vooruit leader Rousseau was reportedly frustrated that she did not stand out enough and – unlike former development minister Alexander De Croo – could not put her own stamp on the department.
Four spokespersons of her own department have already come and gone in the past two years, and the position of the fifth successor has remained unfilled for months. Knack reported that more than 10 employees have already left, been fired or dropped out with burnout this year.
After some talks with Rousseau, it was decided that the Limburg native had better stand aside for a while. According to a source, Rousseau and Kitir decided by mutual agreement to take some time to unwind.
Support for Kitir
There would be "absolutely no" intention to accompany her to the exit, although it remains difficult to predict when the minister will recover. A survey on well-being at work is happening among Kitir's cabinet colleagues in the coming weeks. Those who want to can speak to a psychologist.
Former Justice Minister and Member of Parliament, Koen Geens, took to Twitter to speak up for Kitir.
Tweet translation: I will not easily forget how Meryame Kitir dealt with the verbally intolerant behaviour of one of our colleagues correctly, forgivingly and without theatre so that he could recover. She deserves full understanding of her decision, no opportunistic commentary."
Various other Members of Parliament, including Alexander de Croo, have also spoken up in support for Kitir, encouraging her to focus on herself.
