Paul Magnette, the leader of the Socialist Party (PS), has mocked the aspirations of Bart de Wever, leader of the Flemish nationalists N-VA, to become Prime Minister.
"Mr De Wever tells us now that he wants to be Prime Minister," said Magnette at the PS New Year’s reception in Charleroi, a city where he also serves as mayor.
"We tell him: Mr De Wever, if you want to run a country, you should have dreams and ambitions for that country, not wish for its end."
Last Saturday, De Wever expressed his wish to serve as Prime Minister in a caretaker government focusing on budgetary and socio-economic reforms after the upcoming elections.
Leading a country requires uniting and bringing all Belgians together, not setting them against each other; loving the country is a prerequisite, said the PS leader.
Amid roaring applause, he added: "And we love this country." He described Belgium as a "country of freedom, prosperity and solidarity."
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Magnette criticised the widespread pessimistic discourse and the return to liberal austerity measures proposed as a remedy. He accused the Flemish nationalists of dividing people and pointing fingers, hinting that they’re following in the footsteps of the far right.
"We want to bring together the Walloons, Flemish, and Brussels residents," he declared, "we also hope to unite men and women, the young and the old, the able-bodied and the disabled, the employed and the unemployed." His aim is for everyone to live their own lives in harmonious coexistence.
"We are ready to take responsibility," announced Magnette. "And I am personally prepared to take responsibility if the citizens trust us."
He also took a swipe at the growing far-right in Europe and around the world, describing it as a "threat."
