Ans Persoons

Many people in Brussels bring this city to life every day. In many different ways. Away from the spotlights. But what they do is essential to the fabric of our city. We, as politicians, must ensure that Brussels welcomes them: that everyone can live decently and affordably, earn enough to live a carefree life, in a safe city that brings out the best in people and helps them get on with their lives when the going gets tough.

Career

Ans Persoons was a deputy of thr City of Brussels for 10 years. Under mayor Philippe Close, she was responsible for urban planning, public spaces and Dutch-language education.

Ans was elected in 2018 with her own political project: change.brussels. Later, this movement was transformed into one.brussels.
Since June 2023, Ans has been secretary of state in the Brussels government. She succeeded Pascal Smet and is now pursuing on a larger scale what she loves and does well: building the city of tomorrow.

Ans was born in Antwerp (°1979). She studied history in Ghent (UGent) and political science in Paris (Sciences Po Paris). She has lived in Brussels for 20 years.

After 10 years in the Pentagon, Ans moved to Laeken a few years ago. Her partner is British. They have two daughters: Frances (°2014) and Robyn (°2017).

What makes you happy?

Days when anything is possible and nothing has to be done.
My children when they make each other laugh.
Cycling through Tour&Taxis Park on a sunny day and seeing Brussels at its best: birthday parties with streamers between the trees, couples in love secretly meeting on a bench, people playing music together and passers-by spontaneously starting to dance, circus athletes balancing on a tightrope, girls playing football, children playing freely. All together in one park.

What is your mot precious possession?

Everything of value is defenceless. I love my daughters to death but I don't own them: parenthood is one big lesson in letting go.