Late on Friday night, it was finally announced that Belgium had formed a new Federal Government. The first few days entailed various formalities, from an oath swearing ceremony to a traditional photograph and speeches. See the process in photos below.
A staggering 234 days after the 9 June elections, Belgium finally formed a Federal Government on Friday. That same day, formator Bart De Wever (N-VA) went to tell the King that the five 'Arizona' parties (right-wing N-VA, liberals MR, centrists Les Engagés, socialists Vooruit and Christian Democrats CD&V) had reached a coalition agreement.
On Monday, the formalities began. N-VA leader Bart De Wever was officially sworn in as Belgium's Prime Minister. The Flemish nationalist took the oath of office in the three national languages. Read more about the country's new leader and his rise to fame here.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever pictured during the oath ceremony of the new Prime Minister and members of the Federal Government at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Monday 3 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Jasper Jacobs
One by one, De Wever's cabinet of ministers was sworn in and shook hands with King Philippe. Find the full list of ministers here.
The oath ceremony of the new Prime Minister and members of the Federal Government at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Monday 3 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
The 'Arizona' coalition has been criticised for having very few women – especially in comparison to the previous gender-equal 'Vivaldi' team.
There are just four women out of 15 positions in the new government. The core cabinet of Prime Minister and five Deputy Prime Ministers is all male.
Ministers pictured at the oath ceremony. Credit: Belga / Jasper Jacobs
Vanessa Matz (Les Engagés), one of the new ministers, said the lack of women was "not normal", adding that "the parties have not done their job."
Former Groen leader and federal MP Meyrem Almaci called it "a government of men, for men" and that "we are back in the 20th century."
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."
The complete Arizona government pictured after the oath ceremony of the new Prime Minister and members of the federal government at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Monday 3 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Jasper Jacobs
Prime Minister Bart De Wever and King Philippe - Filip of Belgium pictured after the oath ceremony of the new Prime Minister and members of the federal government at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Monday 3 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Jasper Jacobs
The outgoing Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder was pictured next to incoming minister Theo Francken on Monday. Dedonder was seen holding a yellow statue of Manneken Pis.
Outgoing Defence minister Ludivine Dedonder and Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken pictured during the passing of power to the new Minister of Defence, Monday 3 February 2025, in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken (N-VA). Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Minister of public enterprises and artificial intelligence Vanessa Matz spoke to the press after the oath ceremony of the new Prime Minister.
Vanessa Matz. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
French-speaking liberal party Mouvement Réformateur (MR) held a press conference on Monday to present the four new liberal ministers who will join De Wever's government.
Despite rumours that party leader Georges-Louis Bouchez would become Interior Affairs Minister, he told RTBF on Monday morning that he would not be joining the Federal Government after all. He said he does not want to abandon his "liberal family".
Minister of Middle Classes Eleonore Simonet, Minister of Energy Mathieu Bihet, MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez, Vice-prime Minister and minister of Economy and Work David Clarinval and Minister of Interior Bernard Quintin pictured during a MR press conference to present the four new liberal ministers who will join De Wever's government, Monday 3 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
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).
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 Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Newly appointed Prime Minister Bart De Wever on 3 February 2025, in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Frederic Andrieu
On Tuesday, the new government held its first Council of Ministers at De Wever's office at 16 Rue de La Loi.
The first Council of Ministers of the new Arizona government, at the Prime Minister's office at 16 Rue de La Loi, Tuesday 4 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
The annual New Year's speech and reception for the so-called "constituted bodies" was also held on Tuesday. Government members, state ministers and other prominent figures were received by the King at the Royal Palace.
King Philippe pictured giving a speech during a New Year's reception organised by the Royal Family, at the Royal Palace in Brussels on Tuesday 4 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Eric Lalmand
In addition to the King, De Wever also gave an address.
Remarkably, this reception was supposed to take place earlier this year, but was postponed because the King was keen to have the new Prime Minister present. However, the slow-paced formation process got in the way.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever and pictured giving a speech during a New Year's reception organised by the Royal Family, at the Royal Palace in Brussels on Tuesday 04 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Eric Lalmand
In his first official speech in the Federal Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, De Wever laid out his government priorities and asked Belgians to be prepared for the difficult choices ahead.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever pictured during a plenary session of the chamber with the political declaration of the Belgian Prime Minister at the federal parliament in Brussels, Tuesday 4 February 2025. Credit: Dirk Waem
Members of the new government then posed for the official family portrait at the federal parliament.
Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
