BRUSSELS, AUGUST 11, 1949.

Following the 1949 General Election, the Belgian people have decided to turn towards the center-right. Political analysts in the country have argued this turn comes from the Marie Popelin Act, which implemented women’s suffrage, as well as a vigorous campaign and a domination of the narrative that Gaston Eyskens, the Minister of Finance of P.-H. Spaak and a PSC/CVP politician, was the key responsible for the economic triumph of Belgium during this period of reconstruction.

In the face of this electoral triumph, the PSC/CVP has decided to meet with the Liberal Party (PL/LP) and extend an offer for the construction of a coalition. Since the PSB/BSP had failed to conciliate their differences with the liberals while at the same time lacking the number of seats in the Senate, there was no other alternative than the construction of a new coalition with the PSC/CVP.

The Coalition

Following weeks of negotiation, an announcement was made on August 11 where Gaston Eyskens, was selected and approved by the King Regent to become the new Prime Minister of Belgium. Alongside this announcement, Eyskens also announced his cabinet, which was composed of a satisfactory balance between Liberals and Christians:

Following the announcement, Eyskens made a short speech on the subject of his election and his cabinet in Parliament:

“Gentlemen,

Today marks a significant moment. Not only have we had our second election following the liberation of our country from German forces, but we have also gathered together to participate in democratic governance, shooing away authoritarian elements from our parliament. We come together today to celebrate the formation of a new cabinet that unites both the Christians and the Liberals in their hope for a bright and prosperous Belgium. This alliance of like-minded men, brilliant men, is a testament to the fact that nothing can stop the Christian belief in progress. It is our duty to ensure that every Belgian enjoys a life of comfort and dignity, where education, healthcare, and economic security are accessible to every single one of us. It is a goal that we can achieve, as one, through the consistent commitment to our people.

Nothing can stop our beautiful country in its search for prosperity. Nothing can stop our goals from being achieved for our goals are the goals of mankind as a whole. We want what the world wants, we want prosperity, we want peace, we want development – and we will achieve it.

I would like to thank His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent, for his guidance and support and for his role during these times. Our monarchy is a testament to our values, to our identity. We must aspire to protect it from abolitionist elements and to see it as the core of our stability.

I would also like to express the desire of Belgium to further its cooperation with the European continent. As we rebuild together, we must reject aggressions and embrace integration. We must embrace the treaties proposed by the British and the French regarding cooperation. We must embrace collaboration with both the Dutch and the Luxembourgers at this time. United we shall always survive the test of time.

To conclude, I would like to briefly address the status of His Royal Highness, King Leopold III. He fares well at this time and our government is dedicated to finally addressing the issue of his permanence in exile. I would like to mention that, very soon, the Belgian government will implement a form of popular consultation so that all Belgians can express their desire regarding the king. The Royal Question must be addressed.

Together, there is nothing that we cannot do. Our ambitions are boundless and our love for each other is immense. Let us seize this moment to build a better present and a better future. Let us rewrite the wrongs of our forefathers.

May Belgium thrive under the light of our shared aspirations.”

SUMMARY

• Gaston Eyskens has been selected as the new Prime Minister of Belgium with a PSC/CVP-PL/LP coalition.