A significant schism has emerged within the radical Flemish nationalist Vlaams Belang party in Limburg, as four council members have decided to leave the party and continue as independents.
Daisy Vandeplas and Chantal Nagels from Leopoldsburg, as well as Mike Corneille and Wendy Hill from Beringen, announced their departure in a press conference on Saturday, citing severe harassment and a misogynistic atmosphere.
On Wednesday, Het Belang van Limburg reported that Ronald Peeters, chairman of Vlaams Belang Leopoldsburg, had given an ultimatum to Chantal Nagels and Daisy Vandeplas due to their alleged votes against the party line in the municipal council. It has now become clear that the duo is leaving the party.
“It started last year when we were on the national list, and some men were not. Since then, we’ve faced sexist abuse, harassment, threats, and even the removal of campaign posters by party members,” Vandeplas stated. She claimed they reported this to the Limburg party leadership, but mediation efforts led nowhere. “Instead, the harassers were rewarded with positions. That’s when we realised this is about seats, not people. I have two daughters and want to send a clear message,” Vandeplas added. The two Leopoldsburg councillors say they were no longer invited to party group meetings.
In neighbouring Beringen, Vlaams Belang is also in turmoil. Mike Corneille and Wendy Hill have quit the party. Corneille said he was sidelined by local chairman Oriana Saeren. Like their Leopoldsburg counterparts, the Beringen duo will continue as independents.
Vandeplas contacted the national party leadership but received no support. “I was brushed off and told that Tom Van Grieken doesn’t deal with Limburg,” she said.
Annick Ponthier, Member of Parliament and provincial chairman, attempted to calm matters in early November last year but to no avail. A meeting in January with Flemish faction leader and former party vice-chairman Chris Janssens also failed to resolve the issues.
“These are personal feuds linked to the campaign, with both sides unwilling to compromise,” Ponthier responded, denying claims of misogyny. “That’s nonsense, Chantal Nagels herself led the municipal and provincial list,” she added.
Ponthier concluded, “It would be honourable for them to return their seats to the party list on which they were elected. After all, they sit thanks to Vlaams Belang voters.”
