The muncipality of Willebroek (Antwerp province) has become the last municipality in Flanders to have a new municipality coalition. The local list Iedereen 2830 has given way and accepted a veto of the nationalist Team Eddy list against one of its councillors. Iedereen 2830 will be expelling Karim Hassoun from its group on the council. Although not happy at having to expel one of its councillors at the demand of what will now be its coalition partner, Iedereen 2830 says it had little choice if Willebroek were not to be declared ungovernable.
In a press statement Iedereen 2830 wrote that "Karim is an active citizen of Willebroek that with his 740 preference votes received a strong mandate from the voter. He is a symbol of the reaching out and rejuvenation that Iedereen 2830 strives for. Although we still believe that the veto is unacceptable, during the conciliatory talks it was obvious that this was something that N-VA Team Eddy would not compromise about”.
Consequently Iedereen 2830 decided "After long and careful thought” to break out of the political impasse that had stalled progress on a new municipal coalition for the pazst 3 months. Mr Hassoun has said that he will now sit on the council as an independent.
Iedereen 2830 was keen to highlight the many social elements it says are included in the coalition agreement with the centre-right N-VA Team Eddy.
The agreement makes Willebroek the lasty municipality in Flanders to have a new municipal coalition.