Matti Vandemaele to become Groen leader in federal parliament

Matti Vandemaele will take over as Groen’s group leader in Belgium’s federal Chamber of Representatives, replacing Stefaan Van Hecke. The party says the choice should give Groen a stronger identity in parliament.

Vandemaele, who comes from Kortrijk and already serves as an MP, currently works on home affairs and asylum and migration. In the coming years, employment will be added to his portfolio.

As group leader, Vandemaele said he would focus on security and certainty. “The current government treats security as a luxury, while it should be the foundation,” he said. “People should be able to trust a government that protects them and provides security.”

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The current government treats security as a luxury, while it should be the foundation. People should be able to trust a government that protects them and provides security. Whether it concerns a secure pension or protection against extreme heat, wildfires or floods. Security and resilience will therefore be priority themes for me as group leader.

He said that security should cover both reliable pensions and protection against extreme heat, wildfires and floods. “Security and resilience will therefore be priority themes for me as group leader,” he said.

Groen chair Aimen Horch said Vandemaele would give the party a stronger profile in the Chamber. He also thanked Van Hecke, whom he described as the party’s justice expert, for leading the group with expertise in recent years. Horch said Van Hecke’s knowledge and experience would remain indispensable to parliament and the party.

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He led the group with great expertise in recent years. His years of knowledge and experience remain indispensable in parliament and for the party.