Flemish separatist named as new mayor of Antwerp
Monday 15 October 2012
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EmailThe leader of Belgium's NV-A Flemish separatist party won the race to become mayor of Antwerp at the weekend.
Bart de Wever's right-wing NV-A made sweeping gains throughout northern Flanders and immediately urged French-speaking Belgian Socialist Prime Minister Elio di Rupo to give more autonomy to the region.
Mr de Wever said: "We want to give Flemings the government they want at all levels.
"That is why I call on Elio di Rupo and the Francophone politicians. Take up your responsibility and work for more regional autonomy."
With all but 2 per cent of votes counted Mr de Wever was leading Antwerp's incumbent Socialist mayor Patrick Janssens by 37.7 per cent to 28.6 per cent.
Precise voter percentages were still hard to come by today but the sweeping victory of NV-A was beyond doubt, although Mr di Rupo's Socialists had strong results in several Francophone cities.
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