Belgium has entered a new political era with the formation of the De Wever government, marking significant shifts not only internally but also on the European stage. On February 3, 2025, Bart De Wever was sworn in as Belgium's new prime minister following protracted negotiations lasting seven months.
De Wever, leading the conservative New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), has pledged to implement policies aimed at cracking down on irregular migration and reforming pensions and social benefits. This coalition deal, reached after lengthy discussions, positions Belgium toward the right, reflecting broader European political trends.
“We are committed to addressing the challenges our nation faces, especially concerning migration and our fiscal situation,” De Wever stated, appearing confident as he took the oath of office before King Philippe. His remarks underline the government's focus on pressing issues affecting Belgium.
The coalition agreement clearly indicates the government’s priorities, which include ambitious plans for nuclear energy. The government aims to generate 4 gigawatts of nuclear power. This marks a significant departure from the nuclear exit law established years ago, which mandated the gradual decommissioning of nuclear facilities. “We are targeting a 4 gigawatt share of nuclear power in our electricity mix,” the agreement articulates.
Under De Wever’s leadership, the government plans not just to extend the life of current reactors, such as Doel 4 and Tihange 3, for at least another decade, but also is exploring the possibility of constructing new nuclear facilities. The current nuclear operator, Engie, has expressed strong opposition to these plans, emphasizing its commitment to shutting down existing plants by 2025 and prioritizing decommissioning efforts. Engie's CEO, Vincent Verbeke, described the plan to keep aging reactors operational as “unthinkable”.
Aside from energy, the new government also includes measures aimed at improving Belgium's tax structure. The Coalition Agreement includes proposals for significant tax reforms aimed at boosting purchasing power for working citizens and enhancing the economy's competitiveness. New personal income tax measures will introduce a “solidarity contribution” on capital gains, particularly targeting future realized capital gains on investments.
Direct taxes face adjustments as well, with corporate income tax reforms aimed at stimulating innovation and research. The government hopes these changes will incentivize investment and create jobs, thereby ameliorate the stagnant economic growth Belgium has been facing.
De Wever also faces challenges from the economic front, primarily managing the country’s budget deficit, which stands at approximately 4.6% of gross domestic product, significantly above the EU's 3% threshold. The coalition secured its parliamentary majority by including diverse parties, which include not only the N-VA but also the centrist Christian Democrats and the leftist Vooruit, alongside parties from the French-speaking Wallonia.
Critics of De Wever's hardline approach have already surfaced, particularly from labor union organizations opposing proposed cuts to social benefits and pension reforms. Given Belgium's complex political structure—comprising distinct French and Dutch linguistic regions—gaining consensus among coalition partners will not be straightforward.
“We need to show solidarity among our communities and manage our differences,” said Hetzler, spokesperson for the labor unions, voicing concerns over potential socio-economic impacts.
The De Wever administration’s commitment to increasing defense spending to meet NATO’s 2% of GDP target also signifies Belgium’s reshaping foreign policy stance. De Wever’s remarks about European defense spending highlight concerns over external threats, particularly with the shifting political climate amid rising tensions with Russia.
Political analysts see De Wever's coalition as part of the larger trend of rising right-wing populism across Europe, evidenced by the successes of similar parties elsewhere on the continent. “Belgium has chosen the right-wing path. De Wever's strategies reflect the sentiments of voters concerned about immigration and socio-economic stability,” stated analyst Martin Schenk.
The newly formed government also boasts uneven representation, with 11 men and just four women among the 15 ministers, raising questions about gender balance and representation.
Overall, the formation of the De Wever government reflects both substantial promises and significant challenges. Balancing the needs of existing parties, managing public sentiments, and steering Belgium’s economic and social policies will be more challenging than ever as this newly minted coalition begins its term.
With international influences and domestic pressures mounting, all eyes will be on how the De Wever government navigates these turbulent waters and implements its far-reaching agenda as Belgium embarks on this transformative political chapter.