Good afternoon, Belgium has a new Federal Government. After nearly eight months of negotiations, Friday's announcement has seen the so-called Arizona coalition become a reality. This was our live
- N-VA's Bart De Wever is now the new Prime Minister of Belgium
- New Ministers were sworn in at 09:00. Find out who they are
- MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez will not be part of the new government
- De Wever attended the EU summit in Brussels
This article covers day one of Belgium's new Federal Government on Monday 3 February. The latest updates appear highest on the page. Check out our homepage and social media for more up-to-date news about Belgian politics.
[16:38] - New uses for AI under Arizona
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
The new government has opened the door to the use of AI-powered facial recognition for "detecting convicts and suspects." This will be done "within a strictly defined legal framework", the government agreement states.
The use of facial recognition is not currently permitted in Belgium but there is no specific ban either, explains Matthias Dobbelaere-Welvaert, a lawyer specialising in privacy law.
"The police have been advocating for the integration of facial recognition into their software for ten years," he told Belga News Agency. "If approved for security reasons, an efficient system could be in place within a week."
[16:27] - De Wever to deliver government statement tomorrow
Bart De Wever will make his government statement in the Chamber at around 15:00 on Tuesday. This will be followed by a debate on Wednesday and a vote of confidence on Thursday. The debate is expected to run late into the night and the vote of confidence can only take place at least 48 hours after the Prime Minister's statement.
After this, the De Wever government can really get going.
[16:04] - 'De Wever has big shoes to fill', says NATO boss Mark Rutte
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is looking forward to working with Bart De Wever, he said on his arrival at the EU summit in Brussels. At the summit, De Wever also got an immediate baptism of fire as the new leader of Belgium.
"I have already texted briefly with Bart and I am very much looking forward to it," Rutte said. "I think he proved in Antwerp that he is an excellent leader. He also has big shoes to fill, because he succeeds a very good prime minister with Alexander De Croo."
Rutte also called De Croo last night "to say goodbye after many years of cooperation," which he called "extremely pleasant."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and outgoing Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo drinking beer together the 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Credit: Belga/Jasper Jacobs
[14:39] - Banks warn of impact of new government's higher bank tax
Some of the measures announced by the new government for the financial sector will "significantly hit the Belgian economy," warned the sector federation of Belgian banks, Febelfin. This mainly concerns an increase in banking taxes.
While banks are willing to pay their fair share, some of the measures "do go very far," the federation said. The coalition agreement states that banks' total contributions will remain "at the same level," but Febelfin says this means that the bank tax will go up. Government party Vooruit also announced that the bank tax will be increased.
Credit: Belga
Banks contribute annually through taxes and by pumping money into a Deposit Protection Fund. For that protection fund, they will reach the target amount of 1.8% of covered savings this year. In subsequent years, this will force them to contribute less to the fund. If the total contributions are to remain at the same level, Febelfin says banks will therefore have to cough up more in bank taxes.
The banks warned that the extra tax "ultimately reduces the banks’ ability to support the Belgian economy and finance the necessary investments."
[13:45] - Belgium to evolve to stricter migration policy
Speaking to reporters on the doorstep of the EU summit, De Wever said that Belgium will implement a "more strict policy on immigration within the legal framework of Europe."
"I think the population has demanded that we evolve to stricter policies, and that is exactly what we will do," he said.
[13:42] - 'N-VA is not Eurosceptic'
Latvia Prime Minister Evika Silina, Estonia Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Prime Minister Bart De Wever pictured during an Informal EU leaders' retreat. Credit: Belga/Benoit Doppagne
When asked if De Wever would take the same Eurosceptic attitude as his N-VA party in his relations with the other EU leaders, he replied that his party is not sceptical of the EU at all. "Of course, we have questions about the functioning of the EU. We want to move more towards Europe's core tasks."
"We think the competitiveness of our economy is very important, and we also want to reduce Europe's excessive regulations to more realistic proportions in that respect, but these are not attitudes that are anti-European, far from it," he told reporters. "Quite the contrary, in fact."
[13:30] - De Wever at EU summit: '5%? We hope to get it to 2%'
When speaking to reporters earlier, De Wever stated that Belgium will focus on reaching the 2% threshold for defence expenditure of GDP (as required by NATO membership). He said that the new 5% figure will be something for the future, but hopes US-EU relations can stay on track.
"I think it's a mistake to think that Europe can or should defend itself alone. I'm an Atlanticist, we have to continue the alliance with the United States," De Wever replied in French.
"I know that the situation is complicated and with the new President of the United States, it will be a challenge. But you always have to look at the long term and I think this alliance is important. But having said that, Europe needs to strengthen its own defence position in NATO."
Newly appointed Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever talks to the press as he arrives for an Informal EU leaders' retreat to discuss European defence, in Brussels, Monday 03 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
[12:51] - Bouchez denies waiving ministerial post due to opposition within party
MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez denied on Monday that he renounced a ministerial position due to opposition from within his own party. He also said that as MR leader, he does not intend to criticise the new Federal Government from the sidelines, as he did with the previous De Croo government.
On Monday morning, MR was the last party to announce who its ministers would be in the new Government. Bouchez presented his four new ministers to the press, but afterwards received many questions mainly about the fact that he himself will not be a minister, as was suggested on Sunday.
MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
Bouchez said he was indeed considering combining the roles of president and minister. "All formulas have been considered," Bouchez said. Finally, however, he decided not to combine the two functions. "They are two functions that are more than full-time. I tried to be rational in that sense and not just follow my own way."
Bouchez denied that he renounced the ministerial post because of opposition within his party. "You can call anyone and they will tell you the same thing. There are no problems."
[12:40] - De Wever at EU summit: Bouchez influenced every part of agreement
Bart De Wever has arrived at the EU informal summit in Brussels today in his capacity as new Prime Minister. Before entering, he highlighted the "negotiation strength" of Georges-Louis Bouchez during the government formation to reporters.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever, President of France Emmanuel Macron and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola pictured at the informal EU leaders, in Brussels, Monday 03 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
The liberal’s imprint on the government agreement suggests a better collaboration than during the previous legislature, the new Belgian Prime Minister stated.
"He has left his mark on the government agreement, which changes the situation," De Wever said upon arriving at the Egmont Palace, where a meeting of European heads of state and government dedicated to defence was taking place.
Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban and Prime Minister Bart De Wever pictured during an Informal EU leaders' retreat to discuss European defence, in Brussels, Monday 03 February 2025. Credit: Belga
[12:07] - New Equalities Minister has hearing impairment
Vooruit's Rob Beenders, who quit politics in 2019 due to Ménière's disease, returns to become the new Minister for Consumer Affairs and Equal Opportunities. "There are other people with disabilities who hold significant positions. I will need to find balance and sometimes say no. However, I am determined to make this ministry a success," he stated.
Minister for Consumer Protection, Social Fraud and Equal Opportunities Rob Beenders is pictured heading to the Royal Palace for the oath ceremony, in Brussels. Credit: Belga
As Minister for Equal Opportunities, Beenders agreed with the criticism from his CD&V colleague, Annelies Verlinden, regarding the all-male core cabinet. "I think this can and must be improved," he remarked.
[12:10] - 'A government of men, for men'
New ministers Jan Jambon, Vincent Van Peteghem, Frank Vandenbroucke, Maxime Prevot pictured before the oath ceremony of the new Prime Minister and members of the federal government at the Royal Palace, Sunday 02 February 2025, in Brussels. Credit: Belga
Former Groen leader and federal MP Meyrem Almaci criticised the all-male core cabinet and the fact that there are just four female ministers out of fifteen positions.
"A government of men, for men. We are back in the 20th century," she said. Comparing it to the previous De Croo government, which had eight female ministers including two in the core cabinet, the stark contrast is evident.
Almaci noted that the lack of diversity is reflected in the coalition agreement, with measures like cuts at Unia and the planned audit at the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men (IGVM).
The leader of French-speaking Socialist Party (PS), Paul Magnette, also joined in on Monday. "Where are the women?" he wrote while posting the first photo of the new team after their swearing-in. "Back to the 1970s."
[12:01] - Army unions denounce impact of pension measures
The military union ACMP is deeply concerned about the pension measures introduced by the new Federal Government and their impact on military personnel.
"The coalition agreement states that the staff is the heart of defence, but with these pension measures, it strikes right at the heart of the military," warns chairman Yves Huwart. He plans to convey the staff’s concerns to the new Defence Minister, Theo Francken (N-VA), in the coming days.
Arizona is raising the retirement age for military personnel from the current 56 to 67. "That’s an increase of eleven years. For some, the impact is even greater, as pilots, for example, can currently retire before 56," says Huwart. "This hits a lot of people hard."
[11:49] - Brussels police merger 'will bring nothing nothing positive'
The merger of the six police zones in Brussels will not offer any benefits, says former Schaerbeek mayor and outgoing Brussels minister, Bernard Clerfayt (DéFI) during an interview on the Radio 1's De Ochtend.
The new government agreement includes a merger of the six Brussels police zones, which has been a long-standing taboo for French-speaking parties.
According to the DéFI politician, there is a need for stricter policing of international drug and arms trafficking. Something also needs to be done about the staff shortage at the public prosecutor's office and the lack of space in the reception of asylum seekers. "The merger will not bring anything positive," Clerfayt said.
Why are Brussels mayors so against police mergers? Read more.
Police van of the Midi police zone pictured at the Cureghem district of the Brussels municipality of Anderlecht pictured on New Year's Eve in Brussels, Tuesday 31 December 2024. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
[11:19] - 'Government of contradictions', says top economist
Belgian economist Ivan Van de Cloot has described the De Wever government as one of contradictions. On one hand, it promotes risk capital and entrepreneurship, yet on the other hand, it introduces a capital gains tax.
He also believes George-Louis Bouchez overplayed his hand in the negotiations. In August, the MR leader had a more favourable package on the table, including on the capital gains tax. At the time, the package included clauses that were considerably more advantageous than those in the final agreement. Van de Cloot pointed out that there was a provision for compensating losses.
[10:07] - New Justice Minister: Foreign nationals to serve sentence abroad
CD&V's Annelies Verlinden. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck
The former Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) has been appointed Justice Minister in the new government. She has prioritised victim support and tackling prison overcrowding in her policy agenda.
For this, she believes non-Belgian nationals should serve their sentences in their countries of origin. The government is investigating transferring prisoners abroad, as was done previously with the Netherlands. These countries must, however, adhere to the rule of law, Verlinden noted.
[10:00] - De Croo to De Wever: "Welcome to your office"
De Wever has now moved into Rue de la Loi 16 as Prime Minister, with former Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) handing over the keys. "Welcome to your new office," De Croo said.
Besides an entrance badge, De Wever received two presents, a travel guide for the US state of Arizona and a Latin version of De Bello Gallico by Julius Caesar.
Outgoing PM Alexander De Croo and newly appointed PM Bart De Wever. Credit: Belga/Pool Frederic Andrieu
[09:58] - Packed schedule for De Wever
After the traditional group photo, De Wever headed to the Prime Minister's office at Rue de la Loi 16 where he met his predecessor Alexander De Croo (Open Vld) around 09:40. The official transfer of power is taking place at 10:00.
Translation: "Governing Belgium is not a job you do alone. It was an honour to be Prime Minister and to work with so many passionate people. Every responsibility is temporary, but my commitment to our country never stops. Good luck to the new government and Bart De Wever."
Immediately afterwards, brand new Prime Minister De Wever is expected to attend his first European meeting. At 11:00, European heads of state and government will meet at the Egmont Palace for an informal summit on defence.
The schedule includes a lunch with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, followed in the evening by a dinner with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
[09:48] - Traditional photo on the steps of the Palace
The complete Arizona government pictured after the oath ceremony of the new Prime Minister and members of the federal government at the Royal Palace, Monday 03 February 2025, in Brussels. Credit: Belga/Jasper Jacobs
[09:45] - How is the new Arizona coalition planning to tackle the country’s most pressing issues?
Defence: Defence spending will rise to 2% of GDP by 2029 and 2.5% by 2034. As a member of the military alliance NATO, Belgium is supposed to be spending 2% of GDP annually already. Arizona will focus on investing in air defence, deepening Benelux cooperation and focusing on Belgian industry.
Healthcare: Medical funding for patients and hospitals will be reformed and the government’s healthcare budget will expand. Quotas will be increased to address shortages and workplace conditions will be improved in order to retain employees. The new government is against the legalisation of drugs and will ban smoking rooms in public establishments and on terraces.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health and Social Affairs Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit). Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck
Asylum and migration: Arizona wants to reduce the number of people claiming asylum in Belgium. The coalition will lower the number of reception spaces available and newcomers will have to wait five years before being eligible for social aid.
In line with the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, force majeure may be invoked in the event of unprecedented influxes of people, meaning that Belgium can disregard rules to cope. The government also wants to end asylum for people who have already filed in another European country.
Electronic devices will be checked during the application procedure. Integration processes will become stricter and home visits, which were forbidden by the previous government, will be reinstated. Application fees for Belgian nationality will increase from €150 to €1,000.
Security: Arizona will favour heightened cooperation between different levels of authority, including a merger of the Brussels police zones. Drug searches at ports, airports and train stations will be increased. The Canal Plan will be reinstated in Brussels, which aims to tackle organised crime and radicalism by strengthening local police zones.
Mobility: The concept of road homicide will be introduced into the penal code as a way to improve road safety. Railway traffic will be optimised with fewer stops at low-demand stations. The possibility of using autonomous, driverless trains will be explored, as will a train connection to Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
[09:31] - Only four female ministers
As soon as the full composition of the new Federal Government became clear, it immediately stood out that the 'Arizona' coalition has very few women – especially in comparison to the previous gender-equal 'Vivaldi' team.
Additionally, the core cabinet (made up of the PM and his five Deputy PMs) with Prime Minister De Wever, Jan Jambon (N-VA), David Clarinval (MR), Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés), Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) and Vincent Van Peteghem (CD&V) is all male.
The only women are N-VA's Anneleen Van Bossuyt for Asylum and Migration, MR's Eléonore Simonet for the Self-employed and SMEs, Les Engagés's Vanessa Matz for Public Enterprises Vanessa Matz, and CD&V's Annelies Verlinden for Justice.
[09:12] - Bart De Wever takes oath as Prime Minister
Prime Minister Bart De Wever and King Philippe of Belgium pictured during the oath ceremony. Credit: Belga/Jasper Jacobs
N-VA's Bart De Wever took the oath of office in the hands of King Philippe as Prime Minister of the Federal 'Arizona' Government on Monday morning. The new administration consists of his N-VA party, as well as MR, Les Engagés, Vooruit and CD&V.
The Flemish nationalist took the oath of office in the three national languages.
[09:06] - Prévot 'confident' Bouchez will not disrupt government from sidelines
As new Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Les Engagés leader Maxime Prévot, expressed his hope on Monday that MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez will show the same commitment to stabilising the De Wever team as he does for his party.
"I respect his choices. I understand that it is his way of ensuring the stability of his political party. It is important for me to ensure that there will be the same consideration for the stability of government action," said Prévot on La Première (RTBF).
Under the previous 'Vivaldi' coalition, Bouchez's positions had occasionally destabilised Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. "We are all aware that the dynamics of the De Croo government have suffered significantly from these public statements, and I believe that Georges-Louis is aware of this," Prévot added.
"I am quite confident, based on the discussions we have had in recent weeks and months, that everyone will do their utmost to make this government successful."
[09:01] - Who are the new Ministers?
The press is pictured waiting outside of the Royal Palace for the oath ceremony. Credit: Belga
The new cabinet is being sworn in before the King from 09:00. Notably, MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez is not a minister after all, while outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) will now take the position of Interior Affairs.
The full overview can be found here.
[08:03] - Bouchez does not become a minister after all
Despite rumours that MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez would become Interior Affairs Minister, he stated on Monday morning that he would not be in the Federal Government after all, he told RTBF. He says he does not want to abandon his "liberal family".
