© Julie Verlinden
Former VRT journalist Peter Verlinden takes third place on the European CD&V list. Less than a month ago he founded ‘Voor U’ together with Els Ampe, but Verlinden wants to “have an impact”.
Just before the Christmas holidays, Flemish Member of Parliament and freebooter Els Ampe surprised by creating a new political formation. ‘Voor U’ wants to fight against particracy by bundling various smaller political formations that differ greatly in content. The leader for Flemish Brabant would be the former VRT journalist and Africa expert Peter Verlinden, albeit as an independent. But Verlinden is already closing the door behind him. He will become a member of CD&V, where he will take third place on the European list. Former ministers Wouter Beke and Koen Geens are party leaders and pushers respectively.
“A week and a half ago, CD&V asked if I wanted to be on the list,” says Verlinden about his remarkable switch. “For me that is more interesting, especially because of my age. Third place is obviously a place of contention. But if I want to make a difference and can provide my input on concrete dossiers over the next four or five years, then this is the right place. As an independent at Voor U I also had a lot of freedom. But the chance that I could mean much there in the coming years was very small. Simply because their objective, to shake up the party landscape, is one in the longer term. For someone like me, being able to compete with the big boys for a few more years is more interesting.”
International conflicts
Verlinden had ended up at ‘Voor U’ through Vista, a progressive Flemish national party. He also finds that same philosophy at CD&V. “I did campaigns for Leo Tindemans at the beginning of my career. I then served as spokesperson for Volksunie Minister André Geens, before switching to journalism. In 2012 I already talked to CD&V chairman Wouter Beke, now my party leader. But in the constellation of that moment there was not enough room to take the leap from journalism. But the political bug never left me. Now that I’m retired, I want to fully commit myself to the fight.”
© Julie Verlinden
Verlinden made a name for himself as a journalist and expert on Africa and international conflicts. Hence his choice for the European list. “Europe is where the big debates about migration and international conflicts are held. When it comes to those themes, I feel at home at CD&V. The European People’s Party normally also remains the largest group in the European Parliament. Even if I don’t get elected, I can support my colleagues with my knowledge. I also like the style of CD&V politicians such as Koen Geens, who will push the list. Congratulations to the party for giving space to people who are a bit older.” He wishes ‘For You’ much success. “Their fight against particracy is a very important one. Hopefully they can also win a seat.”