Etterbeek mayor Vincent De Wolf (MR) has announced his decision to step down from his parliamentary role in the Brussels-Capital Region, a choice he described as a painful one after 25 years in service.
Having been re-elected as a regional MP in June and having won in Etterbeek in October's municipal elections, De Wolf had to make a decision due to new rules against holding multiple mandates in the Brussels-Capital Region. This decision, which took much deliberation, came despite expectations that he would become the president of the parliament.
He will comply with the new communal law, but acknowledged it as a "tear" in his professional life.
"I have always believed that I am a better mayor because I am a deputy, and a better deputy because I am a mayor. Being grounded in local realities and executive roles makes one more relevant in a legislative assembly," he stated. "Having a certain number of parliamentarians in an assembly, as in Wallonia and Flanders, is healthy for our democracy."
De Wolf admitted that leaving parliament is indeed painful, but said he felt a deep loyalty and respect for the commune residents who have shown him profound support and affection. Vincent De Wolf has been the mayor of Etterbeek since 1992 and a regional MP since 1999.
In the Brussels Parliament, he has served as a deputy, group leader, and vice-president – as well as having been actively involved in issues such as security, sustainable development, housing, and mobility.
The liberal politician was also a Brussels negotiator for his party during the sixth state reform and participated in parliamentary work on governance and transparency.
