Ilyas Mouani
Ilyas wants to go into politics in order to change things. Not to talk endlessly, but to get things done. "I believe in the potential of Brussels youth, but there are things that need to change,"
Working is very important, being offered opportunities gives you wings. That's why it's important to encourage people who want to work.
"I hear too many people wondering why they actually work and what it really brings them. Make sure the working people of Brussels have more left to spend. Stimulate opportunities for young people who want to work and get ahead in life."
Growth opportunities for young people
Ilyas wants to work for more opportunities for growth for young people. That is why he believes it is essential to further invest in quality Dutch-speaking education, as language is often an important asset in the job market. He also calls for more and better youth projects, as this is the best way to get young people off the streets.
In addition, Ilyas stresses that impunity in Brussels must be tackled urgently and correctly. According to him, it is unacceptable that criminals, after committing offences, hang around on the streets again the very next day.
My background
Ilyas Mouani is 26 years old and grew up in the Cité Modèle in Laeken with his mother and sister. He is married and father of a young son. His involvement in youth organisations began at an early age. As a teenager, he was active in Foyer asbl and JES asbl in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, where he was soon given responsibilities. He progressed to become head animator and instructor at the Brussels VGC playgrounds and later became chairman of the VGC Youth Council.
In addition, Ilyas remained committed to Brussels youth as the founder of Nakama asbl, a collective dedicated to supporting young people in Brussels. In his professional career, he rose to become a manager at Kinepolis. Today, he has been elected to the Brussels Parliament and continues to work tirelessly for a better future for young people.
Brussels as the showcase of a European metropolis
Today, politicians are not in touch with young people in Brussels, and I want to fight for them. I dream of Brussels as a showcase of what a European metropolis can be. Therefore, Brussels must be clean, get moving and become affordable.
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.