Former State Secretary for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity Sarah Schlitz will not be seeking the party leadership of Ecolo, according to an interview with Bel RTL.
The Liège parliament member argues that it is her duty to fulfil the elected mandate she holds, a sentiment shared by her colleagues in the region. The period for internal party leader nominations is rapidly concluding, following the resignation of previous co-heads, Jean-Marc Nollet and Rajae Maouane. Schlitz refrained from commenting on any potential successors as there are currently no official nominations.
Schlitz firmly dismissed the prospect of running for party co-leadership. Pledging to honour her mandate, she outlined her ambition to continue fighting violence against women and children, support social struggles, champion environmental transition and improve low wages. This, she argued, is her natural role as a serving member in the Federal Parliament.
Schlitz previously served as State Secretary for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity under the last legislature. However, in 2023 she resigned due to a controversy surrounding the use of a personal logo in public communications.
In the elections on 9 June, the former minister was elected to the Chamber, alongside Rajae Maouane and outgoing Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten (Groen). Following their electoral defeat, Ecolo resolved to transition into opposition at all tiers of government.
