Bart De Wever Becomes Belgium's First Flemish Nationalist Prime Minister

After 239 days of negotiations, the N-VA leader takes office, signaling a shift in Belgium's political landscape.

Bart De Wever, leader of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), was sworn in as Belgium's Prime Minister on February 3, 2025, becoming the first Flemish nationalist to hold the position.
The coalition government was formed after 239 days of negotiations, involving five parties with divergent ideologies, including French-speaking centrists and Flemish socialists.
De Wever, a long-time advocate for greater Flemish autonomy, has pledged to focus on reducing public spending, addressing Belgium's deficit, and reforming immigration and security policies.
The new government faces significant challenges, including a public deficit of 4.6% of GDP and proposed reforms to pensions, taxation, and labor markets to meet EU recommendations.
De Wever's appointment reflects a broader nationalist trend in Europe, aligning Belgium with countries like Italy and Hungary in pursuing policies emphasizing sovereignty and reduced reliance on supranational institutions.