Maurits Vande Reyde, a notable figure in the Flemish Parliament, has announced his departure from the Open VLD party, effective April 28, 2025. This decision comes on the heels of his candidacy for the party's leadership last year, where he finished third in the election.
At 39 years old, Vande Reyde has been a member of the Flemish Parliament since 2019 and has consistently advocated for a more radical right-liberal stance within the party. His departure marks a significant shift, as he will now sit as an independent member, a move he believes is necessary to pursue his political vision more effectively.
Vande Reyde's critiques of Open VLD are pointed. He argues that the party lacks credibility in its opposition role, stating, "Open VLD is not credible in the opposition. No liberal minister has managed to reduce government size." His frustration stems from what he perceives as a failure of the party to advocate for lower government spending and fewer subsidies, which he believes are essential for addressing core issues such as reducing waiting lists for people with disabilities.
In a statement reflecting his views on government efficiency, Vande Reyde emphasized, "There are sky-high taxes in our country, but people get very little in return." He contends that meaningful change cannot occur within the traditional party framework, prompting his decision to leave and pursue a new political project, the details of which he has yet to disclose.
Vande Reyde's political journey has not been without its challenges. During the previous leadership election, he garnered support from nearly 20 percent of party members but ultimately did not advance beyond the second round, with Eva De Bleeker being elected as the new chairperson. Despite his disappointment, Vande Reyde expressed a desire for a more radical approach to governance, stating, "If I believed that was the direction our party was heading, I would have stayed. I have been with the party for 20 years and have tried to push for that direction in parliament, but it is difficult when you are contradicted on many issues by your own party colleagues."
His departure from Open VLD is not an isolated incident in the party. Vincent Verbeecke, who also contested the leadership, has since left, indicating potential unrest within the party ranks. Vande Reyde's comments about the current leadership reflect a broader sentiment among some members that the party is not adequately addressing the need for a leaner government. He remarked, "I feel that our new chairperson means well, but she is not being supported by the party top."
In the wake of his decision, party chairperson Eva De Bleeker acknowledged Vande Reyde's departure, expressing regret that he chose not to engage with the party's new direction. She stated, "We have chosen to set a course for renewal. Everyone was invited from the beginning to contribute to the new liberal narrative, including Maurits. I can only regret that Maurits did not want to commit to this." De Bleeker also noted that Vande Reyde seemed disappointed by his failure to win the chairmanship, suggesting that this disappointment may have influenced his decision to step back.
As Vande Reyde embarks on this new chapter in his political career, he remains committed to his role in the Flemish Parliament until the upcoming elections in 2029. His future plans hint at a potential shift in the political landscape, as he aims to establish a new political project that is distinct from traditional party politics.
Vande Reyde's exit from Open VLD underscores the ongoing tensions within the party regarding its direction and policies. With his departure, the question remains: how will Open VLD respond to the calls for a more radical approach to governance, and what impact will Vande Reyde's independent stance have on the political discourse in Flanders?
As the political landscape evolves, Vande Reyde's next steps will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike, as he seeks to carve out a new path in the often turbulent waters of Flemish politics.
