Bart De Wever: A Historical Strategist Embracing Change as Belgium's New Prime Minister
On January 31, Bart De Wever, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Belgium, announced the formation of his government with a post on X, referencing a Latin phrase, "Alea iacta est"—meaning "the die is cast." This choice might seem peculiar to many of his audience, yet it reflects De Wever's longstanding fascination with the Roman Empire, a historical passion he often interweaves with his conservative political ideology.
On February 3, De Wever became the first head of government backed by the nationalist party, the New Flemish Alliance (NVA). This party previously championed the secession of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, from the French-speaking Wallonia. De Wever's ascension symbolizes a significant transformation for the NVA, which he has led since 2004, transitioning it from a fringe party with a single parliamentary seat to the most voted party in the country.
Over the years, De Wever has moderated his party's rhetoric, shifting the focus from outright independence to advocating for greater fiscal autonomy. He has also toned down previous derogatory remarks toward the national and Walloon institutions, demonstrating a commitment to establishing the NVA as a serious player in national politics. His references to Roman history and Latin have played a crucial role in this transition.
With a doctorate in Contemporary History from the Catholic University of Leuven, De Wever's scholarly background complements his politician persona. He gained wider recognition during a televised quiz in 2008-09, where his knowledge of Roman history helped craft an image of cultural sophistication. Since then, he has frequently incorporated Latin into his political discourse, using phrases that resonate with a heritage that he believes aligns with his vision of Belgium.
For example, after the NVA's electoral success in 2010, he declared, "Nil volentibus arduum," meaning "Nothing is impossible for those who want it." In 2015, he tweeted, "Hannibal ad portas" in response to concerns over Islamist threats, indicating his continuous engagement with historical references.
However, De Wever's connection with Roman history has not been purely academic. Observers have noted that he often employs historical narratives for political purposes, such as when he claimed the NVA’s integration proposals could have been penned by Emperor Claudius. Such assertions draw parallels between ancient and modern challenges, reflecting on contemporary migration and integration issues—subjects he explores in one of his eighteen authored books.
In his writings, he posits that the failure to integrate barbarians was pivotal to the fall of the Roman Empire, echoing concerns about modern Europe and migrant integration. His latest work, "Over Woke," critiques the perceived self-destructive behaviors of the intellectual elite toward Western values.
De Wever is known for his provocative tactics, including a controversial event in 2005 where he delivered fake banknotes to Wallonia to protest fiscal redistribution, and he has labeled Belgium a "failed state" in the past. In more recent years, however, he has attempted to pivot from extreme statements, focusing instead on unifying narratives.
His recent social media post, complete with a photo of his swearing-in ceremony, emphasized working in Belgium's three official languages: Flemish, French, and German—a remarkable statement for someone with his provocative history. De Wever's approach now embraces dialogue over division, a stark contrast to his earlier political life. During his first major speech, he expressed a need to "go on a diet," humorously referencing both fiscal prudence and a personal weight loss journey, which further humanizes him as a leader.
In conclusion, Bart De Wever's rise to Prime Minister of Belgium is not merely a political evolution; it is a transformation rooted in historical narrative and personal reinvention. His strategic use of history not only frames his leadership style but also reflects an effort to foster unity in a culturally and politically fragmented nation. As De Wever embarks on this new chapter, he stands at the crossroads of Belgium's complex identity, guided by lessons from the past while navigating the challenges of the present.
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