Conner Rousseau (Vooruit) announced that he is resigning as MP of the Flemish Parliament in a statement on Instagram today.
"Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of one day being involved in politics myself," he wrote. "To make people's lives better. To fight for equal opportunities for every child. To reduce inequality. It was a great honour to be able to represent you. But that dream became a nightmare in recent months."
Last month, Rousseau stepped down as leader of the Flemish socialists following revelations of racist comments made regarding the Roma people at a party in September. He was replaced by Melissa Depraetere.
In a letter to the President of the Flemish Parliament Liesbeth Homans (N-VA), Rousseau said his current personal circumstances would limit his effective impact as an MP. He wished to be transparent with the public about his decision, stating: "I want to be honest with people. I want to emerge stronger from this ordeal as a human being, but I don’t want it to come at the expense of the parliament.
"I want to apologise once again for the terrible mistake I made. And also say sorry to those I disappointed. And most of all, I'm angry with myself."
Numerous scandals have sullied the politician's track record in recent months. On top of his racist comments about Romani people, Rousseau was embroiled in allegations that Vooruit had covered up sexual abuse incidents.
The former leader of Vooruit does not specify whether he will be a candidate in the elections in June. His resignation coincides with former Brussels Minister of Planning, Heritage and Foreign Trade Pascal Smet's announcement that he has become the new leader of the Vooruit group in the Brussels Parliament.
