Brussels entrepreneur Laurent Hublet, known from BECentral, is flirting with the idea of setting up a new Brussels party. To achieve this, citizens’ initiative ‘I Am Brussels’ would have to develop a party structure. “Today we are not a political party, but it is a possible avenue,” says the entrepreneur.
Hublet is mainly concerned with organizing citizen panels and conversations and discussions with Brussels residents. With his citizens’ initiative ‘I Am Brussels’ he brings together citizens of different backgrounds to look for workable solutions to the problems in the city. “We are a group of citizens concerned about the future of democracy. That is why we organize weekly discussions with Brussels residents,” says Hublet.
The discussions take place in various Brussels municipalities, such as Sint-Pieters-Woluwe and Vorst. The discussions will be completed on December 13 at Capital vzw in Brussels City. The question is what will happen to the citizens’ initiative afterwards.
“One of the avenues is to establish a new political party,” Hublet says. “But there are also other options, such as writing out a manifesto for the existing political parties, or further expanding discussion groups between citizens.”
Combating polarization
The possible future party wants to continue to bring citizens together to combat polarization in the city. “I am concerned about my city and the growth of the extremes. The latest polls are worrying. That is why it is important to allow discussions to take place on the ground.”
The party is said to be ideologically colourless. “I’m an entrepreneur,” Hublet states. “I try to understand the problems of my city and find the best solutions, regardless of ideology.” However, Hublet is aware that starting a party is not an easy task. “It depends on many factors. There are still many open questions, such as legal aspects, financing and the program.”
This article is originally published on bruzz.be
