Kathleen Van Brempt was number 1 on the Antwerp list for Vooruit and was in the lead for her party in the negotiations of the new administrative agreement for the city of Antwerp. “We have certainly been able to make our mark in the field of housing,” says Van Brempt. “We want more homes in Antwerp and especially affordable homes. That’s super important. Antwerp residents who are looking for a home to buy or rent should also be able to take advantage of that opportunity.”
In addition, the new administrative agreement focuses on 7,500 new and renovated social homes. “Unfortunately, we will not eliminate the entire waiting lists, but this is an important, ambitious step.”
Services remain by appointment
Van Brempt is firm in the field of public services: “The rule remains that people will have to make an appointment, which works perfectly for most people. If people are unable to do so, the idea is that they can come in quickly to arrange an appointment. We are going for longer opening hours, which will improve accessibility and strengthen services.”
RE-EXPERIENCE. Bart De Wever (N-VA) and Kathleen Van Brempt (Vooruit) propose the Antwerp administrative agreement 2025-2030
© Joris Herregods
And then the former minister also talks about the police. “You will also have to continue to visit there by appointment, but we are strengthening the counter operations by, for example, further focusing on mobile combinations. This way we ensure that people can always report something if necessary.”
“Sufficient freedom” for project developers
Van Brempt is also happy with the ambitions in terms of mobility and urban development: “The deepened Kaaiweg will indeed not be built. We must now focus further on that important north-south connection.”
“First of all, I am satisfied with how those conversations went, because there was some polarization. We have now found solutions and in consultation with the project developers we will look at what the best social mix is in new construction, with attention to the environment. As a government, we provide a clear vision to project developers, but give them sufficient freedom. Otherwise there will be no construction.”
READ ALSO. Bart De Wever about Antwerp’s administrative agreement: “I will be mayor on January 2, but then we’ll see”
© Joris Herregods
