Several Belgian politicians have responded to the election of Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
Outgoing Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo (Flemish liberal Open VLD) has congratulated Donald Trump on X on his likely election victory. ‘Belgium looks forward to further strengthening transatlantic bond,’ he stated. According to Mr De Croo, ‘strong alliances’ will be needed ‘to address current global challenges and ensure our prosperity’.
Outgoing interior minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) was surprised by the speed with which the presidential election results were announced, ‘as well as the signed off result’. ‘We now know that in Europe we are going to have to take good care of ourselves in terms of security and defence, but also of our economic model. The message for Europe is that we will have to make wise decisions ourselves.’
For far right Vlaams Belang leader Tom Van Grieken, it is clear. According to him, ‘purchasing power and migration’ have prevailed. ‘Whoever ignores the interests of ordinary people pays the price. People who dismiss voters as ‘trash’ and ‘racists’ will sooner or later get to pay for it.’ Far-right lawmaker Filip Dewinter congratulated Trump on his ‘magnificent victory against the mainstream media, the politically correct elite and wokeism’.
Flemish nationalist N-VA MP Theo Francken sees his prediction come true. ‘The Donald is winning this. Europe had better learn to pay its way. Free rides are over, ladies and gents.’
Gwendolyn Rutten (Flemish liberal Open VLD) takes a broader view. ‘The White House, the Senate and the House are in the hands of Trump and MAGA. That is power. The American voter has spoken, and the result is not just a comeback but a takeover. And now: expect the unexpected. It will be 4 unpredictable years. Let's fasten our belts.’
Green co-leader Jeremie Vaneeckhout speaks of a ‘gigantic wake-up call’. According to him, democracy and the rule of law are not being ‘suddenly overthrown, but demolished brick by brick’.
Fellow green co-leader Nadia Naji goes a step further. ‘The man who sows hatred and division will regain power. This is the man who wants to restrict abortion, deport migrants, wipe his feet on the rule of law and ruin the climate.’