This week we head to the capital, where we meet Florence Frelinx, lawyer, CPAS group leader for the City of Brussels and second on the MR+ list for the upcoming municipal elections in October.
What does the role of a councillor in an opposition group involve, and how do you see the mission the liberal opposition should pursue in a municipality like Brussels City?
For me, the opposition has a vital role in scrutinising the ruling majority. It must ensure that rules are properly followed and, in particular, that public money is used correctly. However, I believe the opposition must be constructive, meaning it should not criticise for the sake of criticising, but must also propose alternatives. In Brussels City especially, where the socialists have held the mayoralty and the CPAS presidency for over 25 years, the challenge is significant. The PS uses disinformation to retain a vulnerable electorate. We must therefore convince all these people that our goal is not to clip their wings, quite the opposite! It is to push them towards emancipation, to help them flourish in meaningful work that opens the door to independence and freedom.
You are second, behind David Weytsman, on the list for the October elections. You have already done a huge amount of grassroots work. How do you sense the mood in Brussels, what do citizens aspire to? What themes will the campaign focus on?
The feedback is very positive. The City's neighbourhoods differ, but there are clear constants: the City is dirty everywhere, mobility is impossible everywhere, and insecurity is felt everywhere. In every neighbourhood, citizens are clear. They want to be able to go out at any hour without fearing for their lives or those of their children, to move around clean streets, and for public authorities to provide smooth mobility where every mode of transport has its place. Why would that be impossible in Brussels when you don't have to travel far to find it...
Do you have any must-visit spots in our beautiful capital to share with us?
There's no shortage! I'll give you three places to eat, because I love that: Manhattn's Burger in my neighbourhood (Louise), Gaston at the Sablon or at the fish market for delicious ice cream, and Yi Chan in St Géry for a great Asian meal.