Bart De Wever (b. 1970) has been Prime Minister of Belgium since 3 February 2025. He is the first Flemish nationalist to hold this position. He previously served as Mayor of Antwerp from January 2013 to February 2025, and is still titular mayor of the city. Before becoming Prime Minister, De Wever was Party Chairman of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) for more than 20 years.
Bart studied history at the University of Antwerp and KU Leuven. He started his career as a doctoral assistant at KU Leuven. After the dissolution of the Volksunie (People’s Union – VU), he was one of the founders of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA). He chose to give up his academic career and devote himself fully to politics. From 2004, he held various mandates as a Flemish MP, Member of Parliament and Senator.
Bart De Wever successfully transformed N-VA into the largest party in Flanders. The party’s ideology is based on modern conservative and economically liberal values. N-VA pursues a fiscally responsible and realistic socio-economic policy that protects the interests of everyone who works, saves and runs a business.
De Wever has written columns for several newspapers and published several books, including the popular essays “About Identity” and “About Woke”. He is fascinated by ancient Rome. His knowledge of history and quotations in Latin are legendary. He currently lives in Deurne with his wife Veerle and their four children. He is teetotal, loves running and has already completed several marathons, including in Athens.
Prime Minister Bart de Wever’s journey is one defined by conviction, intellect, and an unwavering belief in public service shaped by principle. Born in Antwerp and trained as a historian, he developed an early fascination with identity, governance, and the forces that shape societies over time. That academic grounding gave him a rare depth of perspective, allowing him to approach politics not simply as a contest of power, but as a long-term responsibility to people, culture, and national cohesion.
Rising through Belgian politics with determination and clarity of purpose, Bart de Wever became known for his sharp intellect, disciplined leadership style, and ability to articulate complex ideas with precision. As a leading figure in Flemish political life and long-serving mayor of Antwerp, he demonstrated how strong local governance, fiscal responsibility, and cultural confidence could coexist with openness, pragmatism, and social stability. His leadership in Antwerp transformed the city into a symbol of modern urban renewal, economic vitality, and civic pride, earning him respect well beyond party lines.
His appointment as Prime Minister of Belgium marked a historic moment, reflecting both personal perseverance and the evolving nature of Belgian politics. Taking office after a challenging period of coalition negotiations, Bart de Wever stepped into national leadership with a calm, steady hand, focused on unity, dialogue, and results. Rather than seeking quick victories, he has emphasized patience, negotiation, and institutional respect, understanding that Belgium’s strength lies in cooperation across languages, regions, and political traditions.
As Prime Minister, he has positioned himself as a leader who values responsibility over rhetoric. His approach combines economic realism with social awareness, advocating policies that support growth, security, and opportunity while safeguarding the social fabric of the country. He is known for encouraging hard conversations, believing that honesty and clarity are essential to building trust between government and citizens in an increasingly complex world.
What makes Bart de Wever’s story truly motivating is his belief that leadership is not about personal acclaim, but about stewardship. He embodies a form of modern statesmanship rooted in preparation, resilience, and respect for democratic institutions. Through discipline, thoughtfulness, and a deep sense of duty, Prime Minister Bart de Wever represents a leader committed to guiding Belgium forward with confidence, balance, and a clear-eyed vision of its future.
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