The City of Brussels' Town Planning Councillor Ans Persoons has been appointed by her party Vooruit to replace Pascal Smet as the Region of Brussels Capital's Secretary of State.
Smet resigned on Sunday over his role in inviting Russian and Iranian officials to the Brussels Urban Summit. He lauded his successor on Monday, stating that "my political legacy is in good hands."
For her part, Persoons said that "I will work very hard in the coming months to continue Pascal's efforts for Brussels." She added that "affordable housing, a liveable public space and a caring city for all Brussels residents, these remain our priorities."
Of the Persoons promotion, Vooruit party leader Conner Rousseau explained: "I have gotten to know her as a fantastic colleague and a tough cookie."
Rousseau also thanked the departing Secretary of State "for his great commitment to Brussels, Flanders and our movement" and praised him for "putting political responsibility and decency ahead of political games."
