BRUSSELS — Belgium has welcomed a new prime minister, Bart De Wever, whose initial political agenda centered around promoting independence for Flanders, the northern Dutch-speaking region, while diminishing central state structures. De Wever took the oath of office on a recent Monday, addressing King Philippe directly, despite his history of skepticism towards the monarchy, which he views as emblematic of a unified Belgium.
During the formal swearing-in ceremony, De Wever pledged his loyalty to the king, symbolizing a shift in sentiment as calls for Flemish independence evolve into aspirations for improved cooperation among Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. This shift reflects a changing political landscape, where Flanders, with a population of approximately 6.7 million, seeks to balance its interests alongside the 3.7 million people in Wallonia and the 1.2 million in multilingual Brussels.
The ceremony featured De Wever and other leading ministers taking their oaths in Dutch and French, while several members from both linguistic groups chose to use their preferred languages. De Wever emphasized the importance of participating in the government to ensure that his community’s needs are addressed, as he expressed skepticism towards non-participation.
Historically, linguistic tensions have been a significant factor over the last century, as Belgium transitioned from a French-dominant state to one that seeks a more equitable political arrangement. The decline of Wallonia’s industrial base and the economic rise of Flanders further underscore the shifts in power dynamics within the nation.
De Wever, leader of the Flemish nationalist N-VA party, follows Alexander De Croo, who had been serving in a caretaker capacity since the elections in June of the previous year. De Wever is set to join other EU leaders for a summit in Brussels shortly after his inauguration.
In a statement, the N-VA outlined a government agenda that includes plans for budgetary cleanup, fair social policies, and the toughest migration stance yet, alongside commitments to maintain nuclear energy and enhance public safety.
A notable concern surrounding De Wever’s administration is the lack of gender representation. His predecessor, De Croo, had achieved a near-equal balance between male and female ministers, whereas De Wever’s cabinet includes only three women among 15 members, with no women occupying the positions of vice premier. While De Wever expressed regret over this disparity, it was not prioritized during coalition negotiations.
De Wever’s success in forming a government followed a prolonged seven-month deadlock, attributed to a significant decline in the PS socialists’ historical dominance in Wallonia. Together with free-market MR party, they have forged a coalition that integrates five different political factions. This coalition requires consistent vigilance from the Vooruit socialist party to uphold Belgium’s welfare system amidst proposed social benefit cuts aimed at reducing the country’s substantial debt, which exceeds 100% of GDP, ranking Belgium among the most heavily indebted nations in the EU.
With the coalition of Vooruit, MR, CD&V, Engages, and N-VA now in place, they collectively hold a commanding 81 out of 150 seats in the House, ensuring a solid majority. However, the extensive duration of coalition negotiations reflects the underlying challenges of reconciling diverging party ideologies and achieving consensus.
