Former Flemish liberal leader Egbert Lachaert becomes independent MP

Egbert Lachaert, who headed the Flemish liberal party (formerly Open VLD) from 2020 to 2023, declared on social media that he will no longer represent Anders and will serve as an independent member of the Flemish Parliament. Citing a mix of substantive, organisational and personal factors, he described recent events as the final trigger for his decision. The former leader emphasized that independence will allow him to better voice his constituents’ concerns, despite finding recent press coverage from within his party painful.

Former minister Dirk Van Mechelen asked what Lachaert’s father, Patrick, would think of the shift. Marino Keulen, mayor of Lanaken, condemned the departure as a betrayal, though he also praised Lachaert’s liberal pedigree and labour-market expertise. In addition to his parliamentary role, Lachaert continues as mayor of Merelbeke-Melle in East Flanders.