Antwerp (24brussels) – Els van Doesburg (N-VA) has resumed her role as acting mayor of Antwerp following her maternity leave, simultaneously taking on responsibilities for Social Affairs and Elderly Care. Bart De Wever retains the title of mayor while serving as Flemish minister-president, reports 24brussels.
As reported by VRT News, Van Doesburg officially returned to Antwerp City Hall after more than three months away. She initially departed in mid-May 2025 for maternity leave following the birth of her first child, a son named Marcel, and subsequently extended her absence with parental leave.
During Van Doesburg’s leave, first alderman Koen Kennis (N-VA) fulfilled her duties as acting mayor and oversaw city council operations. With De Wever currently occupied with his role as minister-president, the continuation of city leadership falls to Van Doesburg, solidifying her position within the N-VA party.
What role will Els van Doesburg (N-VA) play in Antwerp’s leadership?
Despite De Wever’s mayoral title, his ministerial commitments necessitated the delegation of daily management tasks to Van Doesburg, who, at 36 years old, represents a younger generation of political leaders within N-VA. Her return is expected to maintain operational continuity in city affairs.
Van Doesburg also assumes the previously held portfolio of Social Affairs and Elderly Care, formerly managed by Alderman Nathalie Van Baeren (N-VA), who has now commenced her own maternity leave. Van Doesburg’s expanded responsibilities focus on welfare, family support, and care for the elderly.
Her reintroduction to the public eye is marked by her participation in the Bollekesfeesten this weekend, where she will ceremonially tap the first Bolleke Koninck, signalling her return to office. The Bollekesfeesten celebrate local beer, food, and music, and this inaugural act is viewed as a significant engagement for the city’s leadership.
A member of N-VA, Van Doesburg began her political career as a city councillor in 2012 after studying law. Over time, she has focused on health, youth, and communications policy. In 2021, she assumed the role of acting mayor when De Wever transitioned to Flemish minister-president.
