Ghent Mayor Mathias De clercq Returns to Work After Health-related Leave
Ghent, Belgium - September 10, 2025 – Ghent Mayor Mathias De Clercq announced today that he will resume his duties, following a period of medical leave taken to focus on his physical and mental well-being. The announcement was made via a post on his official Instagram account.
De Clercq explained that he stepped back from his responsibilities on the advice of his doctors, recognizing the need for time to recover. “Sometimes you have to admit that it is ‘up’ that it is not going to be the first to recover,” he wrote, acknowledging the challenges of prioritizing health while serving in a demanding public role.
The Mayor expressed gratitude for the support he received during his absence, emphasizing the importance of his loved ones. He stated his renewed focus will be on his core mayoral responsibilities and working collaboratively to build “a warm, strong and caring Ghent.”
De Clercq’s leave of absence comes amidst ongoing political discussions in Belgium, including recent consultations regarding the brussels budget and proposals put forward by Sven Gatz (open VLD) for budget interventions. While the Mayor’s return doesn’t directly address these specific budgetary issues, it signifies a return to leadership during a period of significant policy debate.
The city of Ghent has been operating with a temporary replacement during de Clercq’s leave. Details regarding the duration of his absence and the specific responsibilities handled by his substitute have not been widely publicized,but the Mayor’s statement indicates a smooth transition back to his full role.
De Clercq concluded his message by stating that Ghent and its citizens hold a special place in his heart, reinforcing his commitment to serving the community.
Source: mathiasdeclercqgent on Instagram
