Maximus: Belgium PM's Feline Companion Becomes Social Media Star and Political PR Asset

De Wever's posts with Maximus have generated mixed reactions domestically.

Belgium:

While Larry the tabby cat exerts significant influence at Downing Street, Belgium now has its own feline political companion. Maximus, a rescue cat, has emerged as the social media sensation and furry sidekick to Prime Minister Bart De Wever, serving as his effective public relations asset.

Adopted from a shelter during the summer by the Flemish conservative leader, this grey fluffball has become a regular feature on Instagram, often photographed playing with string or relaxing in the Prime Minister's office.

However, unlike Larry, who has transcended politics as Chief Mouser serving six British prime ministers, Maximus's social media adventures include witty commentary on Belgium's complicated political landscape.

Cartoon speech bubbles capture Maximus offering sardonic observations—in Flemish—on various issues from the country's protracted budget negotiations to strikes opposing his owner's austerity policies, and even the new voluntary military service program for young Belgians.

'Maximus, Can You Catch A Drone?'

In less than six months since the account launched in July, Maximus has matched his master in Instagram follower count.

The account handle—@maximustp16—represents "Maximus Textoris Pulcher," a clever reference to his owner's name, which translates to "The Weaver" in Dutch.

Insiders reveal that the feline influencer's posts are managed by the prime minister's personal assistant.

The Belgian leader, known for his dry humor, maintains an active online presence and frequently cross-posts with the cat's account when aiming to convey a lighter tone.

Since assuming office in February, De Wever has shared numerous vignettes featuring himself with Maximus, whether pushing the cat in a stroller or napping alongside him.

When news broke in October about a thwarted plot involving drone-mounted explosives targeting him, De Wever's initial response was a post showing himself with the reclining cat and a cartoon caption asking, "Maximus, can you catch a drone?"

The cat's response: "No—but I'm catching dreams like no one else!"

'Noise And Hot Air'

While entertaining, there's a strategic element to this humorous account.

Political analyst Dave Sinardet suggests that the spoof account primarily serves to refresh the 54-year-old De Wever's public image and demonstrate that he doesn't take himself too seriously.

"It's a smart way to do political PR," explained Sinardet, a university professor in Brussels. "It makes politicians seem friendlier, gentler—considering that most people see them as rational, even arrogant figures."

The Flemish nationalist faces significant challenges, with left-wing parties criticizing him for dismantling social protections amid ongoing strikes and protests targeting his government throughout the year.

Using pets for political public relations isn't novel: virtually every U.S. president in history, except Donald Trump, has been photographed with animals at the White House.

Larry the Downing Street cat has achieved global celebrity status, with his @Number10cat account on X amassing nearly 900,000 followers.

However, De Wever's posts featuring Maximus haven't been universally appreciated domestically.

A video showing the prime minister pretending to play "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes—using Maximus's tail as the pipe—during intense budget discussions drew criticism from opposition members.

"Quite the summary of their politics: noise and hot air," remarked socialist lawmaker Patrick Prevot.