New government line-up completed, without leader of liberals MR
The leader of francophone liberal party MR has confirmed he will not be part of the new federal government. The announcement by Georges-Louis Bouchez completes the line-up of ministers in Bart De Wever’s government, who are due to be sworn in on Monday morning at a ceremony at the Palace.
Bouchez told RTBF on Monday morning that he wanted to ensure the proper implementation of the various coalition agreements and reach an agreement for the Brussels region.
“I would have chosen to enter this government,” he said but his choice was determined by the stability of the party. A ministerial post and party leadership are full-time jobs, and appointing a temporary leader “would not be respectful”.
Four of Bouchez's party colleagues will have ministerial roles in the new government.
Outgoing minister for the Middle Classes and Agriculture David Clarinval will become deputy prime minister and minister of Work, Economy and Agriculture. Bernard Quintin, who took on the Foreign Affairs portfolio in November following Hadja Lahbib’s appointment as European Commissioner, will become Interior minister.
MR will also have two newcomers to the government: Mathieu Bihet becomes Energy minister and Brussels MP Eléonore Simonet gets the portfolio of Middle Classes, the Self-Employed and SMEs.
Mathieu Bihet (centre) and Walloon minister president Adrien Dolimont during a congress of francophone liberal party MR on their participation in the new federal government, 2 February 2025, Brussels © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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