New proposal supports extended voting rights for expats

Green party leader for the Brussels parliament Bruno De Lille supports the proposal of the Brussels councillor for tourism Philippe Close (pictured) to extend the right to vote in regional elections to non-Belgians, writes Bruzz based on an article in Le Soir. Expats living in Brussels who are EU citizens or non-EU citizens living here more than five years are currently allowed to vote in municipal elections, but not in regional elections.

De Lille and Close want to extend the right to vote in regional elections to include non-Belgian nationals legally residing in Brussels for more than five years. With De Lille's support, Close will present the proposal in September.

“The extension will ensure that the composition of the Brussels parliament more accurately reflects the will of the people,” says De Lille. “It would also increase the expats' connection to the city in which they live.”