Eva de Bleeker puts an end to her functions as president of Open VLD, according to HLN. Her resignation comes almost exactly a year after her election, on August 24, 2024, where she was designated to try to get the party out of a very delicate situation.
In June 2024, the party had undergone a bitter reverse in the elections, obtained only 8.7 % of the votes in Flanders. An all the more painful result since the Open VLD was then the Prime Minister’s party. Faced with this historic defeat, the entire party leadership had resigned.
A presidency under the fire of criticism
From the start, Eva de Bleeker’s task turned out to be immense, and his presidency was marked by the difficulties. She has been pinned several times for her communication and strategic choices. In the polls, the party continued to fall, even approaching the electoral threshold.
Although the situation was not his only fault, many liberals pointed out his management. Critics, often anonymous, have multiplied, openly asking that it withdraws. Despite the pressure, Eva de Bleeker has held up until today.
A successor
Eva de Bleeker does not leave political life. It will remain deputy in the Flemish Parliament and will continue to get involved in the renewal of the behind the scenes. It will also remain invested in the organization of the “Festival of Ideas”, an event supposed to mark the start of the revival of the Open VLD.
New internal elections to designate his successor are already scheduled for November 15. Frédéric de Gucht, the head of the Brussels section, is expected to take the reins. Whoever takes his place will be responsible for restoring a new breath to the party, who has already planned to change his name in June 2026.
