Belgium has entered a new political chapter as Bart De Wever, leader of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), was officially sworn in as the country’s Prime Minister on February 3, 2025. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated De Wever on his historic appointment, marking the first time a Flemish nationalist has taken the helm of Belgium’s government. His rise to power follows nearly eight months of intricate coalition negotiations after the June 2024 elections.
De Wever leads a five-party coalition comprising the Flemish Christian Democrats (CD&V), left-wing Vooruit, liberal Mouvement Réformateur (MR), centrists Les Engagés, and his own N-VA. His government has set forth an ambitious agenda to address economic challenges, enforce stricter migration policies, and strengthen public safety measures. In a significant policy shift, Belgium’s new leadership has scrapped plans to phase out nuclear energy, signaling a new direction in the country’s energy strategy.
While the new administration has set its sights on major reforms, it has also faced criticism for its lack of gender diversity, with only three women appointed to the 15-member cabinet. Another point of contention is De Wever’s long-standing call for greater autonomy for Flanders. Despite his past skepticism about the Belgian monarchy, he formally pledged allegiance to King Philippe upon taking office.
De Wever’s first major diplomatic engagement will be at an upcoming EU summit in Brussels, where discussions will focus on European defense strategies and international trade policies. His leadership is expected to bring significant shifts to Belgium’s national and European political landscape, setting the stage for a transformative period in the country’s governance.
