Bart De Wever: “We need to stand our ground in times like these”

Following his – somewhat ironically – being named Belgian of the Year, Prime Minister Bart De Wever appeared on VTM News, where he reflected on his transformation from firebrand outsider to a pragmatic statesman who recognises the value of political compromise: “The alternative is to step aside and then complain as everything goes down the drain.”

De Wever stressed the need for the far-reaching reforms his government is implementing in areas such as the labour market, public finances, migration, energy, security, and defence – all within the limits imposed by the current state structure: “You won’t win any beauty contests in this country for your policies – they’re always complex compromises between parties and communities. But we’re making decisions that are worth showing.”

A long-term vision

Although he currently lacks the two-thirds majority required for a major institutional reform, De Wever believes such a reform is inevitable in the long run: “Belgium’s federal system is far too complex and far too expensive. Many structures need to be scrapped or simplified. There’s no way to clean up this country without tackling that issue too.”

That’s why the Prime Minister hopes to stay in office for a while longer: “As long as people continue to support me. I’m thinking in terms of a ten-year project – but it could just as easily be over by 2029, or even tomorrow. We still have a lot of tough decisions ahead,” he concluded.