Turkish candidates gearing up for local elections in Belgium

 Their campaign posters are visible on nearly every corner, particularly in areas with a high concentration of Turkish residents, such as Schaerbeek and Saint-Josse.

Following the general elections held in June, Belgium remains without a government, but this Sunday, approximately 8 million voters will head to the polls to elect their local leaders for a six-year term.

2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Labor Agreement between Türkiye and Belgium, and many prominent Turkish candidates, both seasoned politicians and newcomers, are vying for key positions. Among them is Emir Kır, the long-serving mayor of Saint-Josse, who spoke to Anadolu Agency (AA) about the significance of his candidacy.

Kır, a Belgian-born politician who has held various roles including parliamentarian and minister, emphasized the importance of representation at the local level. "It is crucial for the Turkish community to have a mayor who can ensure our voices are heard," Kır stated, adding that this milestone year for the Turkish community in Belgium makes his candidacy even more meaningful.

Reflecting on his long political career, Kır said, "When we celebrated the 40th anniversary, I was a minister in the Brussels region. For the 50th anniversary, I was mayor. I hope that someone from our community will continue to hold such important positions in the future."

Şevket Temiz, a member of the Brussels Regional Parliament, also stressed the importance of the 60-year legacy. "This milestone is a tribute to the hard work of our parents and those who came before us," he remarked. Temiz, who is running for a seat on the Brussels City Council, called on voters to protect their hard-earned social rights by participating in the elections.

Sadık Köksal, another Brussels Regional Parliament member and a candidate for Schaerbeek City Council, highlighted the concerns of local residents, which include transportation, cleanliness, and safety. Schaerbeek, known as the "capital of Belgian Turks," is home to over 10,000 Turkish voters, making it a key battleground for candidates like Köksal.

As Turkish candidates prepare for the upcoming elections, their message is clear: the future of their community is in the hands of voters. They hope that increased participation in local government will further solidify the contributions of the Turkish community to Belgium's social, cultural, and political landscape.

AA