Belgium has officially welcomed a new prime minister, Bart De Wever, whose political journey has been marked by aspirations to decentralize power and enhance autonomy for the northern region of Flanders. De Wever took the oath of office on Monday, acknowledging King Philippe, a figure he has historically criticized for representing the traditional concept of Belgian unity.
In a ceremony held at the Royal Palace, De Wever pledged allegiance to the king while leading a 15-member cabinet that reflects the country’s linguistic diversity. The prime minister and key ministers took their oaths in both Dutch and French, demonstrating a commitment to a balanced representation in a nation often divided along linguistic lines. De Wever’s appointment comes after a protracted period of political negotiations that lasted seven months, highlighting the challenges of forming a coalition in a country with a complex political landscape.
De Wever, leader of the Flemish nationalist N-VA party, succeeds Alexander De Croo, who had been serving as a caretaker since last June. His coalition consists of five parties, controlling 81 of the 150 seats in the House, which provides a solid majority. The coalition includes the francophone MR liberals, the centrist CD&V, and the socialist Vooruit party, which will play a critical role in ensuring the welfare state remains intact amidst proposed cuts to social benefits aimed at addressing Belgium’s significant national debt.
The new government’s agenda includes ambitious plans to reform the budget, implement strict immigration policies, and invest in safety measures. De Wever has expressed a commitment to tackling the country’s debt, which exceeds 100% of its GDP, one of the highest ratios in the European Union.
However, the new administration faces scrutiny regarding gender representation, as De Wever’s cabinet includes only three women, a stark contrast to the near parity achieved by his predecessor. While De Wever has acknowledged this imbalance, it was not a primary focus during the coalition negotiations.
The political landscape in Belgium has been shaped by historical tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flanders and the French-speaking Wallonia, a dynamic that continues to influence governance. De Wever’s rise to power is indicative of shifting political allegiances, particularly following the decline of the PS socialists in Wallonia, which allowed him to forge a coalition with the more market-oriented MR party.
As De Wever prepares to join fellow European Union leaders for a summit in Brussels, the nation watches closely to see how his leadership will address longstanding issues and the aspirations of different communities within Belgium.