Belgian Liberals Mark 180 Years Amid Internal Rifts and Polling Woes

Belgium’s oldest political party, the Liberal Party, celebrated its 180th anniversary on Sunday at the Palais des Académies in Brussels, but the milestone event was overshadowed by deepening internal divisions and declining public support. The celebration, organized by the French-speaking Mouvement Réformateur (MR), drew approximately 450 attendees and was intended to project unity and reassurance at a time of significant political headwinds.

A Party at a Crossroads

Founded in 1846 during a constituent congress at Brussels City Hall, the Belgian Liberal Party is recognized as the oldest political party in Europe. Over nearly two centuries, it has undergone numerous transformations — evolving from PLP to PRL to MR on the French-speaking side, and from PVV to VLD to Open Vld and most recently Anders on the Flemish side, which became autonomous in 1972.

According to RTBF, the anniversary came at a moment of dual tension: an unprecedented rift between the MR and its Flemish sister party Anders, and internal questions about whether MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez’s combative, populist style aligns with the liberal tradition of respect and reasoned debate that he himself champions.

Bouchez Defiant Despite Polling Decline

Despite recent surveys showing the MR losing roughly a third of its voter base, Bouchez struck a defiant tone. “In 2029, we will win the elections,” he declared, as reported by La Libre Belgique. He also addressed ongoing teacher protests against education reforms championed by MR Minister Valérie Glatigny, saying: “I want to tell teachers how essential they are, how much they have our respect.”

In his speech, Bouchez described liberalism as “the philosophy of respect” and warned against what he called three dangers: “rampant individualism, religious radicalism, and political extremism.” However, as RTBF journalist Bertrand Henne noted in his analysis, the Bouchez who spoke at the Palais des Académies bears little resemblance to the Bouchez who dominates social media with polarizing, confrontational rhetoric.

The Flemish Question

The most visible tension of the day was the strained relationship between MR and Anders. Unlike five years ago, when the 175th anniversary was jointly organized, this year’s celebration was arranged solely by MR. Bouchez has been openly considering the creation of an “MR Flanders,” directly challenging Anders’ territory.

Anders President Frédéric De Gucht did attend and deliver a speech, but his message was pointed. According to VRT NWS, De Gucht called for liberal unity: “Liberal forces in this country can no longer afford the luxury of internal division. We must form a front against populism. We win this fight together or we lose individually.”

Despite this appeal, Bouchez did not mention De Gucht or Anders once during his 20-minute address — a conspicuous silence that underscored the depth of the divide.

The “Elastic Band” Strategy

Journalist Bertrand Henne has coined a fitting metaphor for Bouchez’s approach: the “liberal elastic band.” Bouchez is simultaneously stretching liberal ideology to appeal to anti-system populists — his style has drawn comparisons to Argentine President Javier Milei — while trying to retain the traditional moderate liberal electorate that appears to be drifting toward the centrist Les Engagés.

This strategy worked well for MR in the 2024 elections, but recent polling suggests the elastic may be reaching its limit. A National Survey conducted in May 2026 showed the MR in significant decline, with the PS regaining its position as the leading party in Wallonia.

Heroes of Freedom

The ceremony also honored several individuals described as “heroes of freedom,” including Eric Domb, founder and CEO of Pairi Daiza; Mahaz Shirali, an Iranian sociologist and resistance figure; Mykola Tochytskyi, former Ukrainian Culture Minister; and Louis Michel, former MR minister and EU Commissioner. Their recognition served as a reminder of the liberal values the party seeks to champion.

What Lies Ahead

With federal elections scheduled for 2029, the MR faces a long road to recovery. Bouchez’s defiant confidence notwithstanding, the party must contend with unfavorable polling, public backlash against its education reforms, and the unresolved question of its relationship with Anders.

As Henne posed in his analysis: “How far can this elastic band stretch without breaking?” The answer may determine not only Bouchez’s political future but the fate of liberal politics in Belgium for years to come.