Belgian PM’s cat Maximus is social media star with ‘subliminal political message’
The Guardian••world
Key Points:
- Maximus Textoris Pulcher, a grey rescue cat adopted by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, has become a social media sensation with over 142,000 Instagram followers, making it the second most popular political account in Belgium after De Wever himself.
- The cat’s Instagram posts combine charming images with subtle political commentary, reflecting current events and the prime minister’s experiences, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Belgian politics.
- The account serves to humanize De Wever, who is known for his competence and dry humor but perceived as less warm, by showcasing a softer, more relatable side through Maximus.
- Political scientist Prof Dave Sinardet notes that the Maximus account fits a tradition of politicians using animals to
