Former politician and former director of the VUB and UZ Brussel Vic Anciaux has died at the age of 91. Anciaux enjoyed respect in all political circles. He was known for his commitment to the Dutch language in Brussels and his fight against social inequality. He was one of the figureheads of the then People's Union, a party that combined Flemish nationalism with social concern and openness to other cultures.
Vic Anciaux was a doctor by training, but had a long political career. He was the main face of the Flemish-nationalist party Volksunie in the 1970s and 1980s. From 1979 to 1986, he was party president. From 1977, he was state secretary for Flemish Culture and Brussels Affairs. In that position, he meant a lot for Flemish socio-cultural community life in Brussels. From 1989 to 1997, he was secretary of state in the Brussels regional government, in which his policy areas were migrant policy, energy and the fire brigade.
As recently as last November, Vic Anciaux was named 'Brusseleir vè et leive'; an honorary title for people who have dedicated themselves to culture and community life in Brussels for many years. Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, he said, "During the award ceremony, it was mentioned that in 1978, as then federal secretary of state for Brussels, I was able to acquire the Ancienne Belgique for the Flemish Community. We thought that was a great acquisition at the time. We were also able to acquire several community centres such as De Markten in central Brussels and De Kriekelaar in Schaarbeek at that time. They have become important places for Dutch speakers, but equally for many Brussels residents, regardless of their origin."
The Laeken-based politician was also a long-time director of several Flemish institutions in Brussels, youth theatre Bronks, cultural house Flagey and community centre De Markten. And thus also of the VUB and AZ-VUB, then UZ Brussel.
Rector Jan Danckaert: "The language battle as waged by former VUB and UZ Brussel director Vic Anciaux was first and foremost a social emancipation battle. Under the slogan "no language, no freedom", the VUB was founded, first within the Université Libre de Bruxelles and later as an independent and fully-fledged university. To give young people in Brussels the chance to acquire a degree in their own language, Dutch. We will cherish the memory of our warm-hearted director Vic and he remains a shining example to us all."