Maximus the Political Cat: Belgium’s Newest Social Media Sensation
Belgium’s political landscape has a new, furry influencer. Following in the paw prints of Larry the Cat, Britain’s long-serving Downing Street resident, Maximus Textoris Pulcher – a grey Scottish fold – has become a viral sensation on social media, offering a unique, and frequently enough subtly critical, perspective on Belgian politics.
For nearly 15 years, Larry the Cat has been the official Chief Mousser at 10 Downing Street, maintaining a carefully curated public image. Maximus, however, takes a different approach. His name is rooted in the prime minister’s passion for Latin and Roman history. “Textoris Pulcher” translates to “De Wever’s beautiful Maximus,” with “textoris” referencing “of the weaver,” a nod to the prime minister’s surname. De Wever himself playfully acknowledged his feline companion’s lack of traditional skills,stating,”I have a cat in my office,it is grey and it does not catch… mice,but I love it anyway.”
Maximus’s Instagram feed, filled with images of the cat stretching, lounging, and generally enjoying life at Rue de la Loi 16 in central Brussels, has captivated the belgian internet. However, unlike Larry, who maintains an officially apolitical stance, Maximus frequently offers pointed commentary on current events.
During a three-day national strike in November, protesting proposed spending cuts, Maximus posted a thought bubble reading, “Another strike,” subtly reflecting the frustration felt by De Wever’s governance. Similarly, amidst tense budget negotiations involving the prime minister’s five-party coalition, a grumpy-looking Maximus was pictured with the caption, “Even on Sunday, these nuisances [cabinet ministers] are here.”
A source close to De Wever described the account as a “low-effort” initiative designed to provide the public with a behind-the-scenes look at the prime minister’s office. The account’s success, however, extends beyond simple entertainment.
Political scientist Prof. Dave Sinardet of the Free University of Brussels explained that the account taps into a long-standing tradition of politicians utilizing animals to project a more approachable image. This is particularly relevant for de Wever, “who is perceived as quite competent, as a strong debater, as someone with clear ideas, but maybe as a less warm person… It can help to reinforce his warmer side.”
Sinardet further noted the “subliminal political message” embedded within the posts, such as frequent images of De Wever diligently working late into the night with Maximus by his side. “Vrey often you see Bart De Wever as a hard worker, he is doing his best, he is working on Saturday night.”
De Wever, the frist Flemish nationalist prime minister of Belgium, is known for his dry wit and has consistently used social media to present a relatable persona. his personal Instagram account features everyday moments, like riding the tram and ironing a shirt in a Copenhagen hotel before an EU summit.
The Maximus account also fosters a positive atmosphere, even while playfully acknowledging political tensions. In one post, Maximus is shown observing a meeting between De Wever and Keir Starmer, alongside Larry the Cat, with the caption, “What is this I see here?” Another image depicts Maximus outside a cabinet meeting, with the thought bubble, “And they complain about my mewling.”
The account frequently enough appears to ventriloquize De Wever’s own thoughts. Following a challenging EU summit, Maximus posted, “Congratulations, you are a hero!” – a message that, while presented as feline adoration, also subtly highlights De Wever’s perceived success.
Interestingly,criticism of maximus’s posts has often backfired,bolstering De Wever’s public image.According to Sinardet, those who complain about the account “come over as sour people… when, this is, supposedly just a funny, positive cute cat account.” This suggests that the playful nature of the account disarms critics and reinforces De Wever’s appeal.
