Vooruit has designated a 21-year-old student, Mauro Michielsen, as its party’s co-opted senator. Michielsen is a member of Leuven city council and is still studying at the VUB in Brussels. ‘Mauro has a unique task,’ says Vooruit leader Conner Rouseau. ‘He must help ensure that the Senate is finally abolished,’ says Rousseau.
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Flemish socialist Vooruit appoints 21-year-old student to Senate ’to help abolish the Upper chamber’
Colin Clapson
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Originally, the party did not want to co-opt a senator because it would prefer to see the Senate disappear altogether. However, abolishing the Senate requires a two-thirds majority, needed to amend Belgium’s basic law. Every vote counts, which is why a co-opted senator from the Flemish socialists is also needed.
Ten co-opted senators are added to the upper chamber of Belgium’s parliament by the senators designated by Belgium’s regional and community parliaments.
It remains to be seen whether the abolition of the Senate will actually be given the green light during this parliament. On Monday afternoon, the issue is once again on the agenda of the High Assembly. Abolition is also included in the coalition agreement, but in order for it to be approved, federal majority parties also depend on votes from the opposition.
Vooruit leader Conner Rousseau initially did not want to co-opt anybody from his party to the Senate – to make it clear that the party was serious about abolishing the Senate. Out of necessity, this is now happening after all.
Trust in politics under pressure
Leuven city councillor Mauro Michielsen earlier served as chair of the Flemish Student Council:
‘As a newcomer to politics, I see how the trust of many people, and certainly of young people, is under pressure. People are losing faith in politics and democracy. That is precisely why we must do what we say: fewer parliaments, fewer politicians and less money for politics.’