BELGIAN PM BART DE WEVER MOCKS POLITICO OVER ‘RUSSIA’S MOST VALUABLE ASSET’ LABEL
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has sharply criticized Politico after the outlet described him and Belgium as “Russia’s most valuable asset” within the European Union.
Speaking during a press event on Thursday, De Wever delivered a fiery and sarcastic response aimed at the publication, which suggested he was obstructing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to seize frozen Russian assets.
The Politico piece, written by four reporters earlier this month, portrayed the Belgian leader as an eccentric figure at EU negotiations and highlighted his resistance to the asset seizure plan, which has been controversial across Europe. The outlet described De Wever as a “bespectacled 54-year-old,” with a taste for Roman history and a reputation for sharp humor.
After the proposal collapsed at what observers described as a disastrous EU Summit for both Merz and von der Leyen, De Wever confronted one of the article’s authors directly.
Referencing Politico’s description, he joked:
“I will remember that one — Russia’s most valuable asset.”
He continued with dark humor, saying real politicians must detach from emotion even when faced with “anger, vengeance, and maybe even violence.”
De Wever closed his remarks with a sarcastic flourish, claiming he had to leave for “his dacha in St. Petersburg,” where fictional neighbors would include actor Gérard Depardieu and former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad — both figures connected to Russia.
Depardieu has held Russian citizenship since 2013, while Assad has resided in Moscow since being ousted in Syria last year.
The exchange highlights growing political friction in Europe over Russia sanctions and frozen asset debates, as well as increasing tension between EU leaders and national governments who oppose central strategies.
More reaction is expected as European leaders continue discussions on the legality of redistributing frozen Russian resources.