Does societal tension threaten to divide CD&V?

According to political scientist Nicholas Botica (UGent), the societal divide within CD&V threatens to become a tough issue. “You feel there is tension within this party,” he says in an interview with weekly magazine ‘t Pallieterke.

CD&V Member of Parliament Hendrik Bogart regularly calls for more Flemish autonomy on Twitter. Although he ended up on the fringes within his own party, CD&V’s “senior wing”, which includes Koen Geens, Wouter Beke and Servais Verherstraeten, still expresses plenty of Flemish affinity. At least, that’s what political scientist Nicholas Botica said in an interview with the weekly magazine ‘t Pallieterke.

Federal constituency

Opposing the pro-Flemish wing within CD&V are also a number of young players, including chairman Sami Mahdi, who are not interested in reforming the state. They tend to think in terms of re-federalization. There is also enthusiasm for a federal constituency among a number of younger CD&Vs. “You feel that there is tension within this party.”

It is hard for Botica to estimate which direction will eventually prevail. ‘Flemish-minded’ CD & V’ers, such as Benjamin Dalle and Hilde Crevits, still have an important voice within the party, but it is no longer the party that a few decades ago was striving for more Flanders. This is no longer a goal for CD & V’ers. V at the moment”, apparently.

Buteca says he’s curious about what position CD&V will take, because the party’s community program is long overdue. “I don’t know exactly what CD&V means at the community level. That’s why I’d like to see a thematic conference where clear positions are taken.”

Read the full interview with political scientist Nicola Botica below: