The refusal by Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA), a staunch Flemish nationalist, to say 'Vive la Belgique' ("Long live Belgium," in French) during the country's National Day on Monday has led to many indignant reactions in the French-speaking part of the country.
For the first time since he was (reluctantly) sworn in as Belgium's leader in February, De Wever participated in the festivities for 21 July. However, he limited his participation to attending the Te Deum mass with the Royal family in the morning and the military parade in the afternoon.
Unlike previous PMs, De Wever did not show face at the festivities in the park or the city centre, eat fries with his government, or attend the music festival or firework show in the evening. When asked by a reporter for RTL if he was enjoying himself on the day, he replied: "You know my institutional convictions, which remain unchanged. But I am doing my duty."
Vive la Belgique?
As if that did not make the Flemish nationalist's stance on celebrating the 194th anniversary of the country he previously wanted to split up, De Wever also refused to say 'Vive la Belgique' when asked. "I respect everyone's convictions, but mine must be respected too. The way you ask me this here, at this time, and in this way, is ridiculous. And I am not making a fool of myself for anyone."
A bit later, Defence Minister Theo Francken – one of De Wever's Flemish nationalist party colleagues – followed the same line. When asked about the Belgian slogan, he replied: "Vive la Défense." According to Francken, he is "simply doing his job, as a professional and elected minister," but he "remains a Flemish nationalist."
These positions, however, were met with heavy criticism – especially on the French-speaking side of the language border, where people called it "unacceptable" and even "a disgrace to Belgium."
While this may seem like a banal discussion, De Wever and Francken's refusal to utter the country's slogan, and the strong reactions this led to, underscore the tense relationship between national symbolism and separatist beliefs within the federal government.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever shaking King Philippe's hand during the military and civilian parade on the Belgian National Day, in Brussels, Monday 21 July 2025. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck
On social media, former Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo (PS) went even further. "This is a very serious mistake. Committed to the unity of our country, I am outraged by these remarks, which undermine our national unity." He also protested the attitude of Defence Minister Francken. "It is unworthy of a federal minister. He will have to answer for it before Parliament."
Meanwhile, the leader of the Francophone socialist party (PS) Paul Magnette criticised Francken as well. "This minister refuses to salute the country he claims to defend! Scandalous. Belgium deserves better."
François De Smet, former leader of the DéFI party (which defends Francophones' rights in Brussels), called the comments "hardly surprising," saying that Francken had already stated that he "hates his own nationality and that he would pop the champagne if Belgium disappeared."
Current DéFI leader Sophie Rohonyi called Francken's attitude "a provocation." She added that she found it "ridiculous" to call Francken and De Wever minister and prime minister in this context. "They are unworthy."
'Nothing new'
Also on social media, Francken stressed that none of this was new. "The far right screams that I am 'the King's Jester' because I am correctly doing my job as Defence Minister, obligations included. The French-speaking left cries 'scandal' because I dodged yet another 'Long live Belgium' quip from the RTBF journalist. PS is demanding my resignation yet again. Nothing new under the sun."
"I will continue working undisturbed. For a stronger Defence. For proud armed forces. For a more prosperous Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia. I will keep going."
