Forget Larry the Cat; there's a new feline celebrity in the political arena! Meet Maximus, the Belgian prime minister's cat, who's taking social media by storm and subtly influencing public perception. For years, Larry the Cat has charmed visitors at 10 Downing Street. Now, Maximus Textoris Pulcher, a grey rescue cat, is making waves in Belgium. But what's so special about this cat, and why is he a social media sensation? Let's dive in.
Officially residing at the Belgian prime minister's office, Rue de la Loi 16, Maximus boasts the second most popular political account on Belgian social media, with over 142,000 Instagram followers. This impressive following places him just behind his owner, Bart De Wever, who became Belgium's prime minister in February. Talk about a purr-fectly executed social media strategy!
Maximus's full name is a playful nod to his owner's love of Latin and Roman history, translating to "De Wever's beautiful Maximus." De Wever adopted the Scottish fold cat from a refuge, and the bond between them is clear. As De Wever himself humorously noted, "I have a cat in my office, it is grey and it does not catch … mice, but I love it anyway."
Maximus's Instagram posts have captured the Belgian internet's attention, whether he's playing with toys, lounging on windowsills, or being tickled. But here's where it gets interesting: unlike Larry, who maintains a strictly apolitical stance, Maximus offers subtle commentary on Belgian political life. For example, a thought bubble from Maximus during a national strike hinted at his owner's exasperation. In another post, he's shown looking grumpy during budget talks, adding a touch of humor to the political discourse.
A source close to De Wever revealed that the account is a low-effort way for his team to offer the public a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Rue de la Loi 16. Professor Dave Sinardet, a political scientist, suggests that the account is part of a long-standing tradition of politicians using animals to present a more appealing image. This is particularly true for De Wever, who is often seen as competent but perhaps not the warmest figure. The Maximus account, according to Sinardet, carries "a subliminal political message," often showing De Wever working hard, even on weekends.
De Wever, known for his dry humor, has always used social media to share glimpses of his everyday life. His Instagram shows him taking a tram or ironing a shirt before an EU summit. Sinardet adds that the account "also creates a positive vibe" for those who find politics boring or contentious. One image shows Maximus outside a cabinet meeting with a speech bubble reading, "And they complain about my mewling."
And this is the part most people miss: While the running joke is that Maximus is the real boss, the cat seems to ventriloquize De Wever's thoughts. After a tough EU summit, Maximus tells De Wever, "Congratulations, you are a hero." This suggests that De Wever saved the day. However, politicians who criticize Maximus's posts often fail to gain public sympathy, which only reinforces De Wever's image as a leader.
But what do you think? Does Maximus's social media presence humanize De Wever, or is it a clever political tactic? Do you find the cat's commentary insightful, or do you think it's just a bit of fun? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
