This week we head to Seneffe, where the main question of these local elections was whether the Mayor's List, led by Bénédicte Poll, would confirm its absolute majority. That was indeed the case, as by winning 11 seats out of 21 on the municipal council, Bénédicte Poll can confidently begin a third term as mayor.
You combined the 9 June regional campaign, where you ranked 2nd for the Centre constituency, with the local campaign for Seneffe. An election campaign is a lot of work and effort, but above all it's a human experience. What is the best memory you keep from this short but intense local campaign?
In our final video, the candidates joined me two by two to form a dynamic group walking down the avenue of Seneffe castle. This video reflects the cohesion and teamwork that drove us throughout the campaign.
Of course, it's even better when a campaign ends in victory. To strengthen the majority, you chose to open up and team up with Les Engagés. Was that an obvious choice?
After 6 years in coalition with Ecolo, we contacted them first, but given the loss of 2 of their 3 seats, they preferred to remain in opposition. We met with Les Engagés and the PS and discussed various scenarios, depending on the number of aldermen, responsibilities, programmes, and also the people we would be working with. Together with all the elected members, we assessed the different scenarios, including going it alone, and the choice fell on a partnership with Les Engagés.
You have now been mayor of Seneffe for 12 years and are setting off for another 6. What will be the challenges and priorities of the next term?
In terms of infrastructure, the two major challenges will be the revitalisation of Seneffe's town centre, where a blighted area has emerged following our predecessors' acquisition of numerous buildings without any real project, as well as substantial investment in our school buildings. But the challenge will also be to continue equipping the municipality to meet the challenges of the energy transition and mobility, while further involving citizens in the decision-making process.
And finally, if we drive through your municipality, what is your top 3 must-see places?
Seneffe Castle is of course a must-see. But the centre of Feluy is also worth the detour, with its narrow streets, its fortress and its houses built from blue stone quarried locally. And finally, walking or cycling along the old Brussels-Charleroi canal, a real green corridor running through the municipality.