Preceded by Geert Bervoets Political party Open Vld Name Bart Somers | Role Belgian Politician | |
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Education Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Party Open Vlaamse Liberalen en Democraten | ||
Bart somers helemaal liberaal tour roeselare
Bartolomeus Jozef Lodewijk Rosalia "Bart" Somers (born 12 May 1964 in Mechelen) is a Belgian, Flemish politician. He is currently the mayor of Mechelen and President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Committee of the Regions. In 2017 Bart Somers was awarded 2016 World Mayor Prize as recognition for his outstanding achievements in welcoming refugees during recent years and for the long-term integration of immigrants from different cultures, religions and social backgrounds. He obtained a law degree from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
Contents
- Bart somers helemaal liberaal tour roeselare
- Bart somers with ukrainians in brusselsmaidan
- Political career
- Personal life
- References
Bart somers with ukrainians in brusselsmaidan
Political career
Between 2003 and 2004 he was the Minister-President of Flanders.
After the regional elections of June 2004 he was appointed the interim chairman of the Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD). On December 4, 2004, he was elected with just over 50 percent to a full term as chairman.
Bart Somers was one of the three negotiators for the Open VLD during the 2007 Belgian government formation.
After his party's defeat in the regional elections of 2009, he resigned as chairman of the Flemish Liberals and Democrats.
In June, 2016, the European Committee of the Regions adopted Bart Somers report on "Combatting Radicalisation and Violent Extremism: Prevention mechanisms at local and regional level". His opinion won cross-party support for its calls for more effective policing, for more cooperation between local, regional, national and European authorities, and for an approach based on respect for core principles.
In October, 2016, Bart Somers was elected as Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Committee of the Regions.
In February 2017, he received the "World Mayor Prize 2016", an election for the best mayor of the world.
Personal life
He is married to Miet Bourlon and he has 2 children, a girl Lieze and a boy Jan Klaas.