Bart De Wever, a prominent Flemish nationalist, has been inaugurated as the Prime Minister of Belgium, marking a significant political shift to the right. Sworn in by King Philippe at the Royal Palace in Brussels, De Wever leads a coalition government that holds a majority of 81 seats in Belgium's 150-seat parliament. This coalition, known as the 'Arizona Coalition', comprises five parties including De Wever's N-VA, the liberal MR, centrist Les Engagés, along with the Flemish Christian Democrats and Socialists.
De Wever's appointment follows arduous coalition negotiations, typical of Belgium's intricate political landscape. As the former Mayor of Antwerp, he has been a vocal advocate for Flemish interests. However, to facilitate this coalition, he has tempered his stance on Flanders' independence and focused on addressing Belgium's pressing budget deficit issues. His government plans to implement cuts in social benefits and pursue pension reforms, although these measures face opposition from labor unions.
The cabinet also sees Maxime Prévot of Les Engagés stepping in as the new Foreign Minister, while the N-VA takes charge of key portfolios such as Defense, Migration, and Finance. As Belgium navigates its multilingual and multicultural dynamics, De Wever's leadership is poised to steer the nation through both domestic challenges and international discussions, starting with upcoming EU talks on defense and transatlantic relations.
This new government formation comes after Belgium's June elections, highlighting the ongoing complexities and negotiations inherent in its political system. De Wever's ability to manage these challenges will be crucial in shaping Belgium's future political and social landscape.
