The health condition of Ninove's Mayor Guy D’haeseleer remains "bad but stable" as he continues to await a suitable donor liver. His family faced a challenging and emotionally taxing weekend, according to reports from Vlaams Belang.
As of April 14, 2025, D’haeseleer, who is 56 years old, has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks, having been transferred to the intensive care unit at UZ Gent shortly after his admission. Despite initial hopes for stabilization, it has become clear that a liver transplant is necessary for his recovery.
Karen Van der Sype, the spokesperson for Vlaams Belang, shared insights into the mayor's ongoing health challenges. "Guy remains in the hospital for the time being," she stated. "The objective is still a liver transplant." She elaborated that D’haeseleer and his family have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions over the past weekend, highlighting the highs and lows they have endured during this difficult time.
The search for a suitable donor liver is being coordinated through Eurotransplant, the international organization that manages organ donations. According to liver specialist Jef Verbeek from UZ Leuven, D’haeseleer's positive blood type is advantageous in the search for a donor, but the size of the donor organ must also be compatible. Verbeek previously noted, "There is a significant shortage of donor livers and other organs, and the waiting lists are often long." This shortage underscores the urgency and complexity of D’haeseleer's situation.
As the mayor's health remains critical yet stable, the community is also adjusting to his absence. Ilse Malfroot from Forza Ninove has been appointed as acting mayor, taking over D’haeseleer's responsibilities during this challenging period. This transition comes at a time when D’haeseleer, who made history earlier this year as the first Vlaams Belang mayor in Flanders, is unable to fulfill his duties.
In addition to his health struggles, a spokesperson revealed that D’haeseleer's Facebook profile has been hacked, preventing him from communicating via social media. Efforts are underway to resolve this issue so that he can provide updates on his health status to his constituents.
The situation remains fluid, with the community rallying around their mayor, hoping for a positive outcome. The search for a suitable donor liver continues, and the medical team is prepared to act swiftly once a match is found. D’haeseleer's family has expressed gratitude for the privacy they have been afforded during this challenging time, allowing them to focus on supporting each other.
As the days progress, the hope is that a donor liver will become available soon, enabling the necessary transplant to take place. Until then, the community remains hopeful and supportive, eagerly awaiting news of their mayor's recovery.
The road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, but the resilience displayed by D’haeseleer and his family serves as a testament to their strength in the face of adversity. The people of Ninove are keeping a close watch on the situation, united in their hopes for a swift resolution and the return of their mayor to full health.
