Maximus, the cat of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, has become an unlikely star of the FIFA World Cup by posting match predictions on his Instagram account, which now boasts more than 234,000 followers. The feline's humorous forecasts are part of a well-oiled communication strategy designed to soften the image of the conservative leader and connect with a broader audience.
According to reports, the cat's account regularly publishes videos and images in which Maximus appears to choose between two bowls of food, each representing a different team. The bowl he eats from first is presented as his prediction for the match outcome. The lighthearted content has attracted significant attention, with fans eagerly awaiting each new post.
Bart De Wever, leader of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) party, has been prime minister of Belgium since February 2025. Known for his tough stance on immigration and Flemish nationalism, De Wever has often been described as a polarizing figure in Belgian politics. The cat's social media presence is widely seen as an attempt to humanize his image and appeal to younger voters who might otherwise be skeptical of his conservative policies.
The use of a pet as a political communication tool is not entirely new, but the scale of Maximus's online following is remarkable. The account has grown rapidly since the World Cup began, with each prediction post generating thousands of likes and comments. Some posts have even been shared by international media outlets, amplifying the reach of the prime minister's brand.
Political analysts note that the strategy reflects a broader trend of politicians using social media to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and speak directly to citizens. By associating himself with a cute and relatable animal, De Wever can project a more approachable and less ideological persona. The cat's predictions also tap into the universal appeal of sports, creating a shared moment of fun that transcends political divisions.
Critics, however, argue that the campaign is a calculated distraction from more serious issues facing Belgium, such as rising energy costs, housing shortages, and political tensions between the country's Flemish and French-speaking communities. They point out that while Maximus garners headlines, the prime minister's government has yet to deliver on key promises, including tax reform and infrastructure investment.
Despite the skepticism, the cat's popularity shows no signs of waning. Maximus has even been featured in interviews on Belgian television, where his owner discussed the animal's daily routine and the inspiration behind the prediction videos. The prime minister has described the project as a way to bring joy to people during a major sporting event, emphasizing that it is not meant to trivialize politics.
The World Cup predictions have also sparked a wave of memes and fan art, with some users creating elaborate montages of Maximus in various football-themed scenarios. The account's engagement rate is among the highest for any Belgian political figure's social media presence, surpassing even that of De Wever's own official channels.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Maximus to see if his predictions prove accurate. While the cat's track record so far has been mixed, his role as a communication tool for the prime minister appears to be a resounding success. Whether this translates into long-term political gains for De Wever remains to be seen, but for now, the cat has carved out a unique niche in the intersection of sports, social media, and politics.
The phenomenon also raises questions about the boundaries of political communication. In an era where authenticity is highly valued, using a pet to convey a message can be seen as either a clever strategy or a cynical manipulation. Regardless, Maximus has undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about figures of the World Cup, proving that even in politics, a little humor can go a long way.