Anne Vermorgen succeeds Marc Lemmans as ACV chair, with 32% of the vote against | internal

After consultations with supporters and authorities, Anne Vermorgen was chosen last month to succeed Marc Lemmans. This nomination must still be formally ratified by secret ballot in the General Council. Anne Vermorgen, hitherto national secretary in charge of the Flemish wing of the guild, placed it on the shield.

“Out of three hundred votes, there were two abstentions, 96 against and 202 for yes.” That gives a result of 68 percent, Mark Lemmans explained. When asked about the negative votes, he replied: “It’s a huge two-thirds majority.” With the polarization” of society and politics, which is also reflected in our organization. Leemans “cannot hide” it.

Lehmann had announced at the end of February that he wanted to stop the presidency of the federation after 12 years. The announcement of Lehmann’s departure was accompanied by controversy over his departure schedule. Leemans uses the SWT scheme, ex-bridging annuity. According to critics, it was unheard of because it was performed in concert.

Lehmann will remain the union’s official spokesperson until the end of this year. Until then, Ann Vermorgen will refrain from media appearances. It will not comment on current files and will refrain from making political statements.

Outgoing President Lemmans also referred to an increasingly difficult context with the challenges and threats the federation must respond to. Think of global warming, globalization and social dumping, also in our country, or the consequences of war and scarcity of refuge, asylum and emigration. He also referred to artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on many economic activities, “increasing individualism and inequality”, fake news and populism. “Last but not least, we are witnessing a rightward shift in society and a decline in political democracy.”

look. Leemans announced on camera at VTM News last month that he was not fired at his own request. You can read what political journalist Astrid Roulant thought about that interview here.

However, the vote wasn’t about resistance, it still seemed. Instead, it is about the required profile. A very sharp profile on the one hand, or “a profile that posts future ACV DNA.” “Actions if absolutely necessary, but focus on the negotiations for as long as possible,” Lemans says. “I think that made her.”

Anne Vermorgen will take over the torch on January 1, 2024. “This is a very special moment for me. I have just been elected as the next president of ACV, it is a very great honor,” she said. She summed up: “Happy, proud and grateful, and moved too.” The apple cider vinegar should continue to make a real impact on her. “The challenges we all face are very difficult.”

Mark Lemmans will remain the union’s spokesperson until the end of this year.