Brussels (Brussels Morning – April 23, 2018) Sp.a Member of Parliament, Hans Bonte, has announced that he will not return to national politics after this legislative term. Instead, he is fully committed to securing a second term as mayor of Vilvoorde, according to reports from De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad. Bonte’s decision comes as sp.a enforces a policy prohibiting the combination of a local executive mandate with a seat in parliament.
Cumul Ban: A Strategic Misstep?
Despite labeling the cumul ban as “a strategically poor decision,” Bonte has reluctantly made his choice. He emphasizes the enrichment he derived from combining his parliamentary work with his experiences in Vilvoorde, particularly in handling issues like the Syrian fighters and matters related to radicalization. “I have always considered the combination of my parliamentary work with my experiences in Vilvoorde as enriching,” he stated.
Bonte’s decision contrasts with the option of waiting for the results of local elections before making a choice, a route some of his colleagues might have taken. However, he has opted not to follow suit. Even if he does not reclaim the position of mayor, he has declared that he will not occupy an electable position in the 2019 elections. “Then, my political career will likely come to an end,” he affirmed.
Party Policy and Personal Choices Clash
Responding to Bonte’s decision, sp.a chairman John Crombez acknowledges Bonte’s perspective but underscores the party’s stance, which was decided upon two years ago. “Hans is an excellent parliamentarian and a very good mayor. He certainly has a right to speak. The members decided two years ago that the party would approach politics differently. Decumulation and mandatory renewal in electable positions were important decisions in that regard. This is the path chosen by the party’s base, always with great respect for those who must make a choice as a result,” Crombez stated.
Bonte’s departure from national politics highlights the complexities faced by politicians in navigating party policies and personal aspirations. As the landscape of political governance continues to evolve, individuals like Bonte must make choices that align with both their own convictions and the directives of their party.
