Bart De Wever to become Belgium’s first Flemish nationalist PM

Bart De Wever will become Belgium’s first-ever Flemish nationalist prime minister. His appointment will test Belgium’s fragile federal structure and the delicate balance between Flanders and Wallonia.

Belgium is set to have its first-ever Flemish nationalist prime minister as De Wever, leader of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), is preparing to take office. His imminent appointment marks a historic shift: he has long advocated for greater Flemish autonomy and has often criticised the Belgian state. 

De Wever’s political career has been defined by his push for confederalism, a model that would grant Flanders and Wallonia more autonomy while keeping Belgium as a loose federal structure.

'Failed state'

His past rhetoric, including describing Belgium as a “failed state” and criticising financial transfers from Flanders to Wallonia, has made him a controversial figure, particularly in French-speaking Belgium. 

However, De Wever has worked hard to soften his image. His rejection of an alliance with the far-right Vlaams Belang helped boost his credibility among francophone politicians, and his conduct during coalition talks, which was praised by the leading negotiators, suggests a more pragmatic approach. He has also made an effort to improve his French.

Still, doubts persist about his true intentions. De Wever insists he aims to govern for all Belgians, but some suspect he is using his premiership to advance his confederalist agenda. 

Shifting landscape

The shifting political landscape in French-speaking Belgium, where calls for stricter migration policies and economic reforms have grown, may have made his policies more acceptable to certain voters. However, his past statements on Wallonia and the Belgian state continue to raise questions about his commitment to national unity.

De Wever’s appointment comes after lengthy coalition talks following the June 2024 elections. The new government brings together right-wing N-VA, the liberal MR, Christian democratic CD&V, Les Engagés and socialist Vooruit. 

Outgoing prime minister Alexander De Croo leaves office with his party, Open VLD, in shambles. His tenure was marked by economic difficulties and political instability, which culminated in a major electoral defeat. While once seen as a rising star in European politics, he is now set to return to local government, as he plans to serve as mayor of his hometown, Brakel.

(JPO)

^{Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever is set to become Belgium’s new prime minister © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}