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🇧🇪 Belgium /Elections & Politics

Kasper Vandecasteele sworn in as Menen’s new mayor: “The greatest honor you can experience”

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Kasper Vandecasteele has taken the oath as mayor of Menen, succeeding Eddy Lust, who wants a quieter life for health and family reasons.
  • Vandecasteele had served as acting mayor since September 1 after receiving the most preference votes on the Voor 8930 list.
  • His appointment still requires ministerial acceptance and confirmation by Governor Carl Decaluwé, while several council roles will change.

Kasper Vandecasteele has officially taken over as mayor of Menen, calling the position “the greatest honor you can experience in a city.” He delivered the brief message after taking the oath during the city council meeting.

Vandecasteele, from Voor 8930, succeeds 69-year-old Eddy Lust. Lust left the mayor’s office on September 1 because he wanted to slow down for health reasons and spend more time with his family. Vandecasteele has served as acting mayor since then because he won the most preference votes after Lust on the Voor 8930 list, the largest party in the governing coalition with CD&V.

“I am very proud,” Vandecasteele said. He added that the council wanted the best for the city and that Menen had many strengths. He also said he would count on an opposition that was strong but constructive.

The greatest honor you can experience in a city.

— Kasper VandecasteeleHis first message after taking the oath as mayor.

The formal step has been taken, but Vandecasteele remains technically an acting mayor until the minister accepts his appointment. Governor Carl Decaluwé must then confirm it. That approval is expected to be a formality.

Vandecasteele previously held responsibility for civil affairs and youth. He will now also oversee security and communications. The reshuffle means Tom Vlaeminck, also of Voor 8930, will leave the council presidency to become an alderman. Olivier Libbrecht will join the city council and become its president.

I am very proud.

— Kasper VandecasteeleVandecasteele described his reaction to becoming mayor.
About this summary

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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