Martine De Coppel, from the municipal list “Vernieuwing”, leaves her post as president of the municipal council of the municipality of Grimbergen, in Flemish Brabant.
At the origin of this decision: one heard it Thursday evening saying in Dutch “alle vremde weg”, which one can translate by “all the foreigners outside”, at the time of a municipal council on line, whereas she thought her microphone was no longer on. The Vernieuwing list has already been talked about, after obtaining the biggest score in the municipality of Grimbergen in the 2018 local elections. It was drawn by the former Vlaams Blok and Vlaams Belang Bart Laeremans, currently alderman, and included d other alumni of the far-right party.
Vernieuwing is in charge in the town, in coalition with the N-VA and the Open Vld.
Vernieuwing communicated himself Friday about Martine De Coppel’s comment, specifying that it was “a reflection that she was making to herself and that was not directed towards anyone”. “She apologized several times during the virtual municipal council, then immediately resigned as president at the end of it, which was accepted by our group,” said Chantal Lauwers, president of Vernieuwing .
Normally, Martine De Coppel must take over the alderman of Eric Naegels in December 2021. It is not known if the incident will change anything about this program. The principal concerned has only resigned from her post as president of the municipal council, but wishes to remain a member.
The mayor of the town, Chris Selleslagh (Open Vld), was not available Friday morning.
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