Kompany's father elected Belgium's first black mayor

Kompany senior arrived in Belgium as a refugee in 1975 from what is now more commonly known as the Democratic Republic of Congo.  He began a career in politics in 2006, in the role of councillor, and won a seat in the Brussels regional aprliament in 2014.

And it was announced this week that ,Kompany had won the poll in the Ganshoren municipality of Brussels, which saw him earn the title of mayor. 

However, most people outside Belgium would be forgiven for never having heard of Kompany senior; the family name being made more universally famous by his offspring.

Sons Vincent and Francois are professional footballers; the former is the more successful, being captain of Manchester City and a Belgium international, and the latter plays in the Belgian professional second division with KSV Roeselare. 

Both sons were quick to post messages of congratulations for their father in posts on Vincent's instagram; under an accompanying video, he wrote "History! We are so proud of you dad, He's the first black mayor in Belgium - it's never happened before, it's historic.... congratulations to my dad! It was long overdue but it's progress. Massive congrats!"(https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo7OaPpjWJZ/?utm_source=ig_embed)

It is not the first time that Vincent Kompany has voiced his views on politics within his native Belgium, having posted an image of the Belgian parliament, with a caption criticising the "lack of multiculturalism" on display within its membership.  He also added that: "(The image) also reflects non-existent diversity at all levels of power in Belgium." 

 

October 13, 2018