The Conclave: Bart De Wever praises Conner Rousseau whereas clashing with Tom Van Grieken

The ambiance between the political leaders in Flanders is under freezing. This turns into clear in ‘The Conclave’, this system by tv producer Eric Goens that may be seen from Thursday evening onwards. VTM. The primary of 4 episodes revolves solely round Bart De Wever (N-VA), Tom Van Grieken (Vlaams Belang) and Conner Rousseau (Vooruit), who spend an evening collectively in Jemeppe fort within the Ardennes. Different occasion leaders have been added to the group solely a day later and can solely be mentioned within the second episode.

Within the first dialogue of this system, feelings run excessive between De Wever and Van Grieken. “There is just one De Wever,” mentioned the president of the N-VA. “And he believes that the acute proper is not going to contribute something constructive to Flanders.” I feel the prospect that you could create a authorities on line casino is zero. ” And in addition: “I’ve rather more affinity with different events than with Vlaams Belang.”

Nevertheless, Van Grieken particularly reached out to De Wever to type a Flemish authorities collectively. However Van Grieken was pushed largely on the defensive by De Wever, notably relating to Filip Dewinter’s hyperlinks to China. “Can anybody clarify why the Chinese language authorities has to pay for dinner with Dewinter and Anke Van dermeersch?” ” And: “Do you suppose it’s nice for me to place 1 / 4 of the Flemish votes within the fridge since you can not separate your self from the previous issues?” Van Grieken replied that it isn’t as much as De Wever to determine who to ship to parliament.

In a separate interview with Van Grieken it’s clear that the chairman of Vlaams Belang is by no means comfy within the firm of De Wever and Rousseau. He describes a “charade” the place he doesn’t really feel at dwelling. “There is no such thing as a one right here who lowers his wing or his arm. I really feel like a toddler as a result of I do not prefer it. Hopefully I will sleep properly and attempt to recuperate tomorrow.”

Van Grieken’s isolation is contrasted with De Wever and Rousseau’s pleasant interplay. Rousseau displays rather a lot on his racist statements and the way he got here out within the fort – lower than a day after his return. And De Wever involves him to convey up the controversy with Van Grieken. The president of the N-VA mentioned he wish to “have a majority” with Vlaams Belang. However solely to drive a federal contract with the PS. For this he clearly counts on what he says because the ‘bromance’ with Rousseau.