The Belgian political landscape is in turmoil, with the country’s left-wing party, Forward, struggling to maintain its position in the federal government. If Vandenbroucke were to take on a role in the European Commission, it would not be favorable for his party due to their ideology and the nomination process for top jobs in Belgium.
According to Sinardet, having a European commissioner could result in having one less minister, which may not be advantageous if the party is already marginalized due to their ideological position. The focus is not solely on whether Vandenbroucke would make a good commissioner, but also on whether his absence in Belgium can be managed.
If Vandenbroucke does not take on this role, then who will step in? Other potential candidates for the role of European commissioner from Belgium include Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, former prime minister and current premier of Wallonia Elio Di Rupo, leader of the French-speaking Socialists and mayor of Charleroi Paul Magnette, and former prime minister and ex-foreign affairs minister Sophie Wilmès. It remains to be seen who will ultimately fill this critical role.
