Furthermore, the survey commissioned by the Gazette of Antwerp tends to demonstrate a certain influence on the electoral behavior of Antwerp residents.
One in four respondents claims that the successive attacks perpetrated in recent months in Antwerp could influence their vote in the next elections. This possibility of expressing one’s dissatisfaction in the voting booth would concern more men and voters under 34. However, it is difficult to say whether this trend will still be in place in 2024. Between now and then, other events could indeed come into play, whether they are linked to Ukraine or the energy crisis, in particular. But according to the Antwerp political scientist Dave Sinardet, the drug-related crime problems are far from being solved. On the contrary, they would even have tend to get worse over time. The subject is therefore likely to be among the main electoral issues, at least on the banks of the Scheldt.
Any profit for the Vlaams Belang would be further favored according to several political scientists. The party of Tom Van Greeks will do everything to convince the voters that the mayor of Antwerp and leader of the N-VA has not done enough to remedy the situation. All in a city known to have been the seat of the extreme right in the 90s.
Another factor could also work in favor of Belang. it’s about the feara feeling that 57% of respondents currently claim to feel. A feeling that the party will also most certainly continue to use to attract new voices.