Belgium's Youngest Senator Wants to Open Senate to Students

Belgium's youngest senator, 21-year-old Mauro Michielsen, is advocating for the Senate building in Brussels to be opened as a study space for students during exam periods. Michielsen, who is currently studying sociology himself, believes the historic building's underused meeting rooms and quiet corridors could serve as an ideal environment for students to focus.

With the Senate slated for abolition in the future, many of its halls are becoming vacant. Michielsen sees this as an opportunity to repurpose the space and bring a sense of vibrancy back to the institution. "It's so quiet here, and that's why I would like to invite other young people to come together and study in this beautiful, historic building," Michielsen stated.

He has submitted his proposal to the relevant parliamentary services and fellow lawmakers, awaiting their response. Michielsen hopes to launch the initiative during the next examination period. He also envisions offering guided tours of the parliament to students who utilize the space during their study breaks. Coincidentally, Michielsen's current studies in Governance and Policy include topics on the abolition of the Senate and finding new purposes for such institutions, making his proposal a practical application of his coursework.

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Het is hier zo rustig, en daarom zou ik graag andere jongeren uitnodigen om in dit mooie, historische gebouw samen te komen blokken.