Sint-Gillis-Waas Ruling Board Loses Majority: N-VA Council Member Becomes Independent | VRT NWS (BE) | 01KYSRQ94K6QAP16WRCK6PN28J

The governing coalition in Sint-Gillis-Waas has lost its parliamentary majority following the decision of N-VA council member Luc Lorie to become an independent. Lorie's move reduces the combined seats of the N-VA and Groen parties from 14 to 13, falling just short of the 14 seats required to form a majority in the 27-seat council. This shift complicates the local political landscape, leaving the administration without a clear mandate.

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I find it of course particularly regrettable, although it was also coming.

Mayor Koen Daniëls of the N-VA expressed regret over Lorie's departure, noting that the relationship had been strained for some time. Daniëls suggested that Lorie's desire to become an alderman, a position he would not have secured even with a full N-VA majority due to internal party dynamics, may have contributed to the rift. Lorie cited a breakdown in trust and a feeling of being unable to express his own opinions as reasons for his decision, stating he could no longer conform to the party line.

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Luc made no secret of the fact that he would like to become an alderman, but even with an absolute N-VA majority, he would not have become one. Other party colleagues had more votes.

Despite the loss of majority, Mayor Daniëls announced that the college of mayor and aldermen will continue its work and present important dossiers to the council. He expressed confidence that the opposition parties would act constructively and that the administration could still find support for well-developed proposals. Daniëls also questioned Lorie's continued engagement with local affairs, given his reported extended stays in Tenerife and the sale of his belongings in Belgium, though Lorie defended his personal life and relationship.

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I have the feeling that I am not allowed to give my own opinion, that I always have to follow. I can no longer do that.

Lorie's decision not to transfer his council seat means the coalition cannot easily regain its majority through a replacement. The mayor hopes Lorie will still support the governing coalition's agenda, given he co-approved the initial coalition agreement. The situation leaves Sint-Gillis-Waas in a minority governance scenario, similar to recent experiences in neighboring municipalities like Zele and Kruibeke.

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He has also put his belongings in Belgium up for sale. How he will then stay informed about what is happening in Sint-Gillis-Waas, I do not know.