Willy Borsus is a Belgian politician born in Ciney on April 4, 1962, and is a member of the Reformist Movement (MR). Willy Borsus has held a number of political positions, including councillor and mayor of Somme-Leuze municipality, councillor of Namur Province, and member of the Parliament of Wallonia and the Parliament of the French Community. Borsus worked as a government minister in Michel’s administration.

Willy Borsus became Minister-President of the Walloon Government on July 28, 2017, following Paul Magnette. He contributed to Wallonia’s governance and decision-making procedures while there. Nicole Willy Borsus’s political career spans several decades, with involvement at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels demonstrating a devotion to public service.

Willy Borsus served as Federal Minister for the Middle Classes, Independents, Small and Medium Enterprises, Agriculture, and Social Integration in Michel’s government from 2014 to 2017. He then played a big part in regional politics, rising to Vice-President of Wallonia and, starting in 2019, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, Foreign Trade, and Spatial Planning. His varied portfolio demonstrates his significant influence in defining Wallonian economic, trade, and regional development policies.

What is the Political Party of Willy Borsus?

The political party of Willy Borsus is the Reformist Movement (MR), a liberal political party in Belgium. Willy Borsus has been associated with the MR for a significant duration of his political career.

Willy Borsus served as Federal Minister for the Middle Classes, Independents, Small and Medium Enterprises, Agriculture, and Social Integration in Michel’s government from 2014 to 2017. Willy Borsus became Vice-President of Wallonia and, starting in 2019, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, Foreign Trade, and Spatial Planning. Willy Borsus influences Wallonian economic, trade, and regional development policies.  Willy Borsus has actively contributed to the MR’s thoughts and policies. Willy Borsus has actively contributed to the MR’s thoughts and policies. Willy Borsus helped advance the Reformist Movement’s objectives, as highlighted in Reformist Movement News.

Has Willy Borsus become a Political Party Leader?

No, Willy Borsus has not become a political party leader. Willy Borsus’s political career has been distinguished by various governmental positions and responsibilities rather than the party leadership. Borsus has been a prominent Reformist Movement (MR) member, holding roles such as Minister-President of Wallonia and Minister of Economy, Foreign Trade, Spatial Planning, and Agriculture.

Willy Borsus has displayed leadership across government structures throughout his extended political career, including serving as a Municipal Councillor, Mayor, Namur Provincial Councillor, and Namur Provincial Council President. Willy Borsus’s membership in the Walloon and French Community Parliaments demonstrates his commitment to legislative and regional governance.

Willy Borsus has performed important roles in creating policy and directing government services, although no record of him leading a political party exists. His primary concentration appears to have been on executive and legislative tasks within the Reformist Movement and other governmental entities.

What is the Official Title of Willy Borsus?

The official title of Willy Borsus is Vice-President of Wallonia, and he concurrently holds the position of Minister of Economy, Foreign Trade, Spatial Planning, and Agriculture, a role he has occupied since 2019. Willy Borsus’ political career began locally, where he was elected Municipal Councillor of Somme-Leuze in 1988. He strengthened his position in municipal politics over the years, becoming Mayor of Somme-Leuze in 1995.

Other titles of Willy Borsus are listed below.

• Provincial Councillor of Namur (1994–2004): Willy Borsus extended his influence to provincial politics, serving as the Provincial Councillor of Namur for a decade.
• Provincial Councillor of Namur (1994–2004): Willy Borsus extended his influence to provincial politics, serving as the Provincial Councillor of Namur for a decade.
• President of the Provincial Council of Namur (1995–2000): Willy Borsus acquired the position of President of the Provincial Council, demonstrating his leadership abilities and strategic vision.
• Group Leader in the Provincial Council of Namur (2000–2004): Willy Borsus, as Group Leader, was responsible for coordinating and representing his political group in the Namur Provincial Council.
• Walloon and French Community MP (2004–2014): Willy Borsus transitioned to a broader legislative arena, representing Wallonia and the French Community in the Parliament from 2004 to 2014.
• First Deputy Chairman of the Parliament of the French Community (2008–2009): Borsus was appointed First Deputy Chairman of the French Community Parliament, a recognition of his parliamentary abilities.
• Group Leader in the Walloon Parliament (2009–2014): Willy Borsus returned to regional politics, serving as Group Leader in the Walloon Parliament and participating in regional legislative initiatives.
• Federal Minister for the Middle Classes, Independents, Small and Medium Enterprises, Agriculture, and Social Integration (2014–2017): Borsus entered federal politics, taking on a diverse portfolio in Michel’s government, reflecting his versatility and expertise.
• Minister-President of Wallonia (2017–2019): Willy Borsus reached the pinnacle of regional leadership, serving as Minister-President of Wallonia and overseeing the region’s governance during a critical period.
• Vice-President of Wallonia; Minister of Economy, Foreign Trade, Spatial Planning, and Agriculture (2019–Present): Willy Borsus holds the dual responsibility of Vice-President of Wallonia and Minister of Economy, Foreign Trade, Spatial Planning, and Agriculture, contributing significantly to the region’s development and economic policies.

Who succeeded Willy Borsus as Minister President of Wallonia?

Paul Magnette succeeded Willy Borsus as Minister-President of Wallonia. Paul Magnette took over the post on September 13, 2019, succeeding Borsus and inheriting the responsibility of guiding the regional administration. Paul Magnette is a significant person in Belgian politics and a member of the Socialist Party (PS), with a political history rooted in social and progressive beliefs.

The appointment of Paul Magnette as Minister-President signifies a change in the political landscape of Wallonia, given the differing political affiliations of Borsus and Magnette. Paul Magnette provided a new viewpoint on regional governance. Paul Magnette was in line with the principles and policies of the PS as a member, helping to create and carry out programs for regional and socioeconomic development.

Wallonia negotiated possibilities and obstacles under Magnette’s direction, concentrating on resolving the region’s social and economic concerns. Paul Magnette’s time as Minister-President marked a continuation of the region’s dedication to competent governance and pursuing policies consistent with the Socialist Party’s vision and ideals. The transition from Willy Borsus to Paul Magnette highlights the dynamic nature of Belgian politics and the necessity of regional leadership in meeting the needs and ambitions of the people of Wallonia.

What are the Important News about Willy Borsus?

The important news about Willy Borsus is listed below.

• “Wallonia brings in Europe’s investment arm to boost space industry on 2023” is news about Willy Borsus announcing a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Investment Bank (EIB), a significant development for the country’s space ambitions. The historic partnership aims to investigate funding and advisory support to help Wallonia become a space powerhouse. Skywin, Wallonia’s aerospace cluster, prioritises Earth observation and reusable launch vehicle activities, focusing on co-financing prospects. Wallonia has approved funding for critical space projects, demonstrating its commitment to leveraging the space industry for regional recovery following the epidemic. Wallonia’s space industry has tripled its turnover in the last two decades, mainly to the Skywin cluster, which has approximately 50 members. Willy Borsus noted that the EIB MoU is a step in the structural development of Wallonia’s space sector, establishing the region as a leader in Europe’s developing space industry.
• “Minister Borsus visits a company that produces macarons in Dison in 2021” is news about Willy Borsus, Vice-President of the Walloon Government and Regional Minister of the Economy, paid a visit to Dison-based startup PMSweet, which received funding from the “Scale-up” growth accelerator program. The “Scale-up” program, which is going to be relaunched in 2024, offers personalised support to high-potential enterprises, assisting them in structuring their strategy and overcoming growth impediments. The Walloon government is likely to approve the project on February 23. Borsus watched the program’s success as the company, which specialises in macaron manufacture, grew from producing 10,000 macarons per day to over a million, employing 350 people and exporting sweets to more than 30 countries. The 2024 edition is going to pick 20 startups based on their development potential, with the chosen participants being announced on May 1st.
• “Wallonia is launching 20 in 2022, new strategic innovation projects” is news about Wallonia, led by Minister of Economy Willy Borsus, who has chosen 20 Strategic Innovation Initiatives (SII) to mobilise economic and intellectual actors for initiatives that contribute to Belgium’s and Europe’s economic rehabilitation and sustainable transition. The disruptive projects focus on various areas, including Recycling Valley, biotech, and food safety, and are consistent with the region’s goal of developing resilient ecosystems. Wallonia’s past includes the heavy industries along the Meuse River, but to retain jobs and promote sustainable growth, the region is currently investing in future economies. The chosen efforts include circular materials, health-related technologies, agile and safe design and manufacturing methods, sustainable energy systems and ecosystems, future agri-food chains, and creative environmental management. The decision shows Wallonia’s strategic approach to research and innovation strategies, which adhere to European smart specialisation principles.
• “MINISTER BORSUS ATTACKS NATAGORA in 2024, BUT WHY?” is news about Minister of Agriculture Willy Borsus targeting Natagora on television, blaming it for the agricultural crisis while farmers demonstrated. Borsus accused Natagora of purchasing land for nature reserves, which reportedly hampered farmers. Natagora, an environmental organisation, refutes the notion, emphasising its dedication to sustainable methods and natural resource protection. Natagora increased its natural reserves by 400 hectares in 2023, accounting for a small proportion of Walloon agricultural land transactions. Borsus has received financial backing from the Walloon Region, but his claims seem to be a political ploy to divert attention away from other contentious issues, such as the position on free trade agreements and the decision to reverse the ban on feeding wild boars, which farmers have opposed.

What are the Political Ideas of Willy Borsus?

The political ideas of Willy Borsus align with the Reformist Movement (MR), a centre-right political party in Belgium. Borsus, a member of the MR, generally favours liberal and pragmatic methods of governance, emphasising individual liberty, economic liberalism, and free-market principles. The party is well-known for proposing policies that promote economic growth, entrepreneurship, and a business-friendly environment while taking a balanced approach to social and environmental concerns.

Borsus expressed solidarity with Ukraine and opposed Russia’s actions in the Ukraine War. He backs diplomatic attempts to end the situation amicably while advocating for a strong position against Russian military aggression and violations of international law.

Competitors of Willy Borsus within the Belgian political landscape include members of left-wing parties such as the Socialist Party (PS) and the Green Party (Ecolo), who generally advocate for more government intervention in the economy, higher taxes on the wealthy, and progressive social policies. These parties prioritise diplomacy and multilateralism over military action on issues such as the Ukraine War.

Borsus emphasises law enforcement methods in conjunction with preventative and rehabilitation programmes when dealing with specific issues such as drug smuggling. He supports measures to combat drug trafficking while investing in education and social services to address the underlying causes of substance misuse.