On 14 June 2026, the Mouvement Réformateur celebrated the 180th anniversary of the Belgian Liberal Party at the Palace of Academies in Brussels. A moment both symbolic and political, to recall where liberalism comes from… and where we want to go.
It all began on 14 June 1846, at the Brussels Town Hall. Figures such as Charles Rogier and Walthère Frère-Orban laid the foundations of the Liberal Party there. Since then, liberals have shaped the country's history: education, financial institutions, social laws, universal suffrage. “180 years on, empires have fallen, regimes have changed, and liberalism still stands.”
Opening the event, Boris Dilliès brought the debate back to its fundamentals. “Liberalism is above all a philosophy of tolerance. Freedom is only worthwhile if it comes with respect for others.” He also recalled a key idea: “You can only sustainably redistribute what has first been created.” He also praised the work of Valérie Glatigny, hailing “a fundamental reform for the future of our children”.
Frédéric De Gucht, Open VLD President, struck the same note, calling for unity. “Liberalism is not a history lesson. It is a living compass for the future.” Facing today's challenges, he warned: “If we remain divided, we will lose every inch.” But he believes a united liberal front can make the difference: “We win this fight together, or we lose it individually.”
Three speakers then gave concrete illustrations of what it means to defend freedom today. Iranian sociologist Mahnaz Shirali denounced the repression in her country: “How is it possible that we let young people die while supporting their fight for freedom?” Ukrainian ambassador Mykola Totchivski recalled the reality of war: “Freedom is a fragile reality that must be protected every day.” Entrepreneur Eric Domb, for his part, stressed courage: “Societies decline when they lack courage.”
In closing, President Georges-Louis Bouchez stressed that “liberal philosophy is the only one that has worked”, pointing to rising living standards and falling poverty. He also warned against “rampant individualism, religious radicalism and political extremism”, reaffirming: “We will collaborate neither with the far right nor with the far left.”
Finally, he is already looking ahead to 2029: “We will win the elections because people will recognise those who had the courage to take responsibility.”