After a months-long absence, former leader of the Flemish socialists (Vooruit) Conner Rousseau is making his comeback to national politics, and will close the party's Federal election list in the East Flanders province.
Rousseau stepped down as party leader in November 2023 following a series of scandals and a slew of racist comments about the Roma community, as well as sexist remarks. A month later, he also quit as a Federal MP.
While Rousseau has been quiet on social media (which used to be one of his biggest means of communication) since he stepped down, his return is not unexpected: in January, Vooruit announced that a place on the electoral list was not out of the question for him. With the deadline for submitting lists being 13 April, Rousseau has now seemingly made his decision.
"If you want to make a difference, you've got to step into the arena. I also wanted to let you know personally why I am returning and participating in the elections," he said in a video posted on Instagram on Wednesday evening, adding that the past few months have not been easy for him, but that the break was much needed.
'Far from perfect'
"I have thought carefully about the past and the future, what I still want to do and why I want to do it. And I still want to make a difference. For you. Together with you," he said, adding that he realises he will have to "fight hard" to regain trust. "I am far from perfect, we have all seen that, unfortunately."
Still, he promised to work hard to make a difference for the public. "That is the choice you will have to make. I place my fate in your hands. Does politics need someone like me? I will continue to identify the problems and come up with solutions."
Rousseau will take up a symbolic role as what is called a "list pusher" in Belgium – usually a well-known name at the very bottom of the list that will draw voters' attention to the party. It is more of a supporting position, meaning his chances of actually getting elected are slim. However, he could possibly win a seat through preferential votes, and also still enjoys strong support within the party.
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The return of the once-youngest-ever political leader in Belgium has predictably been met with mixed reactions. Some think Rousseau deserves a second chance, while others believe he no longer belongs in politics – and especially not in a progressive party.
What the impact of his comeback on Vooruit's election results may be remains up in the air: he was a popular – if controversial – politician for as long as he was party leader and his party's jump from 10.8% to 16.8% in the polls has often been attributed to the "Conner effect" by critics, last year's scandals may have damaged his image.
