The discussions in this town of 58,000 inhabitants are not quite like the others. In Forest, in fact, one of the first (discussions are also underway in Molenbeek) majorities integrating the PTB, in French-speaking Belgium, could be set up.
The forest sections of the PS and Écolo seem keen to set up a broad left-wing PS-Écolo-PTB coalition. But this Wednesday evening, a political thunderclap resounded in the Forest skies.
While the possibility of a PS-Ecolo-PTB majority is emerging, the current mayor, the ecologist Mariam El Hamidine, has decided to leave her party, Ecolo.
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gullI have always campaigned for social cohesion. But with this coalition, part of the population risks being forgotten.”
“I will sit as an independent”, announces Mariam El Hamidine to La Libre. “During all my mandates, I ensured that all Foresters were respected and treated on an equal footing. I don’t want to name a particular party. But the day after the elections, the prospects of a majority emerging in Forest are contrary to my convictions. I have always campaigned for social cohesion. But with this coalition, part of the population risks being forgotten. I understand the concerns people have expressed. This coalition does not represent Foresters from all neighborhoods and all communities.”
This announcement comes as Ecolo confirmed having started discussions with the PS and the PTB in Forest, through Séverine de Laveleye, head of the Ecolo list in Forest.
This Wednesday morning, she justified the opening of PS-Eco-PTB negotiations. “Sixty-six percent of Foresters voted left, it’s a message that must be heard.” she assured on BX1, however asking the PTB to prove its goodwill. Séverine de Laveleye has also ruled out negotiating the MR-Défi list and the PS, believing in this case to no longer be necessary.
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“Everyone is behind her, yes. I don’t see myself in this“, notes the mayor of Forest, who draws her conclusions.
However, Mariam El Hamidine is not giving up politics. “I will sit as an independent, for the Foresters who elected me.”
Mariam El Hamidine became mayor in February 2022, replacing Stéphane Roberti, who was suffering from prolonged burnout.
She announced in June her intention not to run for mayor again. “It was my choice over a series of things that belong to me.” she modestly justifies.
She pushed despite everything on October 13 and obtained 619 votes.
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The political situation in Forest is particularly complicated.
The MR-Défi list of Cédric Pierre-De Permentier and Marc Lowenstein may have come first with 10 seats, ahead of the duo PS-Vooruit (9 seats), Écolo/Groen (8 seats) and the PTB (8 seats) , it has few allies, since the Engagés only obtained two seats in the commune.
It is rumored, in the corridors of the Brussels PS, that Ahmed Laaouej would not be in favor of an alliance with the PTB. But will he be able to prevent it from being set up, when the forest sections are strongly pleading in this direction?
This Wednesday at 6 p.m., the citizen collective “Forest à Gauche” organized a rally in front of the Forest municipal house to express its support for the ongoing negotiations between the “three progressive parties – the PS, Ecolo and the PTB.”
Will the departure of the current mayor be able to reverse the trend?
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