Véronique Caprasse, born November 20, 1950, in Lüdenscheid, Germany, is a Belgian politician affiliated with DéFI, a party dedicated to French-speaker interests in the Brussels region. Her responsibilities encompass French-speaking education, early childhood initiatives, and twinning and development cooperation as an Alderwoman in Crainhem. Caprasse entered politics in 1988 as an independent municipal councillor and joined FDF in 1998, driven by concerns over implementing the Peeters circulars, which she perceived as a challenge to French-speaking communities with facilities. 

Caprasse has served as an Alderwoman since 2001, as mayor from 2013 to 2015, and gained extensive experience during her five years in the federal parliament (2014-2019). Caprasse has remained dedicated to defending French speakers’ rights on the periphery throughout her political career, particularly addressing challenges imposed by Flanders. Her focus extends to advocating for the well-being of French-speaking schools, emphasising the impact of recent educational changes by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and administrative considerations by Flanders. The evolving landscape of education, exemplified by the new school rhythms, continues to be a central concern for Caprasse.

What is the Political Party of Véronique Caprasse?

The political party of Véronique Caprasse is DéFI. Established in 1964, DéFI (Démocrate fédéraliste indépendant) is a Belgian political party with a social-liberal orientation and a focus on regionalism. The party is currently led by François De Smet, a member of the Chamber of Representatives widely recognised for advocating the interests of French speakers in and around the Brussels region. The party underwent a name change in 2016 and adopted the current appellation, DéFI, which serves as a backronym for Démocrate, Fédéraliste, Indépendant, translating to “Democratic, Federalist, Independent” in English. The term “Défi” means “challenge” in French. Visit their website to learn more about DéFI party news and updates.  

How did Véronique Caprasse begin her career?

Véronique Caprasse began her political career in 1988, initially engaging as an independent municipal councillor in her municipality. The turning point came in 1998 when she joined the FDF, a decision motivated by implementing the Peeters circulars, which she perceived as a significant challenge and affront to French-speaking communities with facilities. Caprasse continued her political involvement, progressing to the role of Alderwoman in 2001, a position she has held steadfastly to the present day, demonstrating her unwavering commitment. Her dedication was further showcased during her tenure as mayor from 2013 to 2015, adding a dynamic leadership dimension to her municipal contributions. The culmination of her experience includes a notable five-year term on the benches of the federal parliament from 2014 to 2019. 

Caprasse has maintained an unwavering focus on defending the rights of French speakers in the periphery, a cause that has become increasingly challenging amidst the assertive stance of Flanders, concerned with safeguarding territorial rights. Caprasse addresses their constant struggles, navigating between the Wallonia-Brussels Federation for educational matters and Flanders for administrative organisations particularly passionate about the welfare of French-speaking schools. She remains a staunch advocate for the rights and well-being of French-speaking communities, particularly addressing the challenges posed to schools in Belgium’s complex linguistic and administrative landscape.

When did Véronique Caprasse Become Mayor?

Véronique Caprasse became the mayor for three years, from 2013 to 2015. Véronique Caprasse has remained fully committed to her municipality as an Alderwoman, working tirelessly to protect the rights of French-speaking individuals on the periphery. Flanders disregards these rights, prioritising land rights over linguistic considerations. Caprasse held the position of mayor for three years, from 2013 to 2015 and contributed significantly during her five-year tenure in the federal parliament from 2014 to 2019.

What is the Official Title of Véronique Caprasse?

The official title of Véronique Caprasse is member of the political party DéFI and Alderwoman in Crainhem. Véronique Caprasse currently holds the position of Alderwoman in Crainhem, overseeing various responsibilities, including French-speaking education, early childhood initiatives, and twinning and development cooperation. She has had a political career since 1988, beginning as an independent municipal councillor. She joined the FDF in 1998 following the implementation of the Peeters circulars, which she perceived as a challenge to French-speaking communities with facilities. Caprasse brings a wealth of experience to her current position. She spent five years on the federal parliament benches from 2014 to 2019, serving as an Alderwoman since 2001 and assuming the mayor role for three years from 2013 to 2015.  

Véronique Caprasse’s official titles are listed below.

• Alderwoman in Crainhem: Véronique Caprasse has served as Alderwoman in Crainhem, where she oversees various responsibilities, including French-speaking education, early childhood initiatives, and twinning and development cooperation. Her tenure in such a role spans from 2001 to the present.
• Mayor of Kraainem: Véronique Caprasse serves as the Mayor of Kraainem from 2013 to 2015.
• Member of the Chamber of Representatives: Caprasse served in the Chamber of Representatives from 2014 until 2019. 

What are the Important News about Véronique Caprasse?

The important news about Véronique Caprasse is listed below.

• The Flemish opposition in Kraainem complained to the police concerning the alleged “theft” of ballot papers on May 14, 2014. Strangers, acting on behalf of the French-speaking majority, reportedly collected convocation letters from the printing house instead of delivering them to the municipal administration. Unappointed mayor Veronique Caprasse confirmed that the letters were subsequently sent according to linguistic preferences, either in Dutch or French, violating a council decision to send them in Dutch. The incident drew criticism from Luk Van Biesen, Open Vld MP and faction leader of the Flemish unity list Open, who denounced the practice as illegal and contrary to the council’s decision. The event was part of a broader context where municipal councils in other areas, such as Linkebeek and Sint-Genesius-Rode, grappled with language compliance issues and faced interventions by Flemish Minister Geert Bourgeois.
• FDF mayor Véronique Caprasse of Kraainem in Flemish Brabant aimed to survey residents with facilities to determine their language preference on September 16, 2015. It was clarified that French-speaking residents in facilities municipalities only needed to confirm their language preference every four years following a 2014 Council of State judgment appointing Caprasse as mayor. Caprasse proposed that if residents preferred French assistance, the city immediately sent them election letters in French for the 2018 elections. The potential survey raised questions about its form and whether it constitutes a language census, a concept previously opposed by the Flemish government. Caprasse noted that language discussions persisted even after the split of the Brussels-Halle-Vilvoorde constituency.
• French-speaking parties submitted unity lists on September 27, 2015, in Kraainem and Linkebeek. CDH-MR and FDF initially planned separate lists in Kraainem but ultimately joined forces to present a joint Union list. Veronique Caprasse (FDF), leader of ‘Union’ in Kraainem and previously rejected as mayor by Flemish Minister of the Interior Geert Bourgeois, heads the list. The decision surprised Open Vld MP Luk Van Biesen, leader of the Flemish unity list Open, who noted previous announcements of separate candidacies by cdH-MR. In Linkebeek, despite earlier indications of an independent MR list, the French-speaking parties opted for a joint ‘List of the Mayor,’ led by outgoing acting mayor Damien Thièry (FDF). The resolution of local issues led to abandoning the initially planned separate MR list. The competition includes the Flemish unity list Open and the bilingual list Kraainem-Unie, with no support from either French-speaking or Flemish parties for the latter.
• Veronique Caprasse, a member of FDF (Francophone Democratic Federalists), was sworn in as the mayor of Kraainem in Leuven before Flemish Brabant Governor Lodewijk De Witte on September 28, 2015. Caprasse’s appointment had initially been refused by Flemish Minister of the Interior Geert Bourgeois following the municipal elections. However, she appealed to the Council of State, which appointed her on June 20. Caprasse had previously assumed the role of mayor in 2010, succeeding Arnold d’Oreye de Lantremange. Her nomination was repeatedly rejected by Bourgeois, resulting in her holding the title of “designated mayor” despite facing language legislation violations. Caprasse, who had been elected as a member of parliament, expressed satisfaction after the swearing-in ceremony, emphasising her commitment to complying with language laws in the future, as indicated by the oath she had taken. It left Caprasse somewhat dissatisfied when the Council of State relaxed the Peeters circular, allowing French speakers to request documents in their language every four years.
• Véronique Caprasse, the unappointed FDF mayor of Kraainem, expressed relief following a Brussels court of first instance ruling that ordered Flemish Minister of the Interior Geert Bourgeois to pay 40,000 euros in material and moral damages to her on September 28, 2015. Caprasse, whose appointment as mayor was denied by Bourgeois, contended that the court’s decision contested the Flemish region’s interpretation of language laws. The court found that Bourgeois wrongly refused Caprasse’s appointment based on a conversation where he asked inappropriate questions. FDF chairman Olivier Maingain criticised the Flemish government for not respecting democratic rights and urged the prompt appointment of mayors by the Flemish government.

What is the net worth of Véronique Caprasse?

Véronique Caprasse’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. Caprasse’s net worth has experienced significant growth from 2022 to 2023. Her source of income stems from her successful political career. Caprasse, at 73 years old, hailing from Germany, has amassed wealth through her political contributions and achievements. Details about her salary in 2022 and 2023 are unavailable. Information regarding her assets, including properties and cars, is not available. Caprasse’s notable financial success indicates her extensive and impactful political career.

What are the Political Ideas of Véronique Caprasse?

The political ideas of Véronique Caprasse align with the March for Life movement in Belgium in promoting a profound respect for life from conception to natural death. Caprasse advocates for policies that assist individuals facing challenges and suffering, emphasising the need to abolish or amend laws conflicting with the full respect for human life as a supporter of the March for Life. She rejects an uncritical acceptance of laws on ethics, expressing concern about the direction of Belgian politics, including laws related to abortion and euthanasia, highlighting perceived abuses on the ground. Caprasse, along with DéFI federal deputies, has been involved in legislative initiatives challenging existing abortion laws, aiming to guarantee women a more comprehensive right to abortion. The March for Life, supported by Caprasse, seeks to mobilise a diverse and inclusive popular base, encompassing various religious faiths and philosophical currents, to advocate for laws prioritising life over what they perceive as a culture of death. Caprasse’s stance aligns with the organisation’s protest against Gestation for Others (GPA), asserting a refusal to allow children to be designed for commercial purposes.

Véronique Caprasse’s political ideas are reflected in her legal actions against Flemish Minister of the Interior Geert Bourgeois, who she contends discriminated against her based on language laws. Caprasse, affiliated with the FDF, sought damages of 35,000 euros for material harm and 10,000 euros for moral damages, asserting that Bourgeois’ decision not to appoint her as mayor of Kraainem was discriminatory. The Brussels court sided with Caprasse, emphasising that the minister intended to determine her conformity with the Flemish region’s interpretation of language laws. The court found the motivation for her non-appointment, based on the region’s interpretation of language law, to be incorrect. Caprasse’s legal actions, which resulted in a financial settlement and a finding of discrimination, highlight her commitment to challenging perceived infringements on language rights and advocating for her political beliefs within the legal framework.

Is Véronique Caprasse Related to Bernard Caprasse?

No, Véronique Caprasse is not related to Bernard Caprasse. No information is available to suggest that Véronique Caprasse is related to Bernard Caprasse. The available information does not provide details about their familial relationship or connection. Véronique Caprasse is the former mayor of Kraainem from 2013 to 2015. She was a member of the Chamber of Representatives and the Belgian Federal Parliament. Bernard Caprasse is a politician who hails from Belgium. He served as the governor of the local government of Luxembourg between 1996 and 2015. He belongs to the Centre démocrate humaniste as a member organisation. Visit some online media platforms featuring Bernard Caprasse news to know more about his life and political career.