Image: from NL724 X@tr724nl
By Emma Cole | Staff Writer with Agencies
In a move that has sparked significant attention, a new far-right political party named after former U.S. President Donald Trump has been launched in Belgium. The party, dubbed Trump—an acronym for Tous Reunis pour l’Union des Mouvements Populistes (All United for the Union of Populist Movements), aims to make a bold statement ahead of the 2029 federal and European elections, with further aspirations to field candidates in regional and municipal races as well.
The new political entity is presented as a continuation of the recently dissolved Chez Nous movement and is seen by some as the successor to Belgium’s former National Front. Bruzz, a Brussels-based news outlet, first reported the announcement of the party’s formation.
Salvatore Nicotra, the former chair of the National Front, has been appointed as the head of the new party. His leadership team includes Emanuele Licari, a controversial figure previously associated with the far-right Vlaams Belang party. Licari had been dismissed from Vlaams Belang‘s electoral list in Brussels for openly glorifying fascism. Nicotra has emphasized that the name of the party, “Trump,” is not an accidental choice.
“Donald Trump is the symbol of populism. He immediately shows what we stand for,” Nicotra said in an interview with Bruzz. The decision to use Trump’s name as the party’s label underscores its embrace of populist rhetoric and its commitment to nationalist and anti-establishment policies.
Nicotra describes the Trump party as a “right-wing populist party with a social dimension.” About 40% of its platform aligns with the policies of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PTB), another far-left faction in the country, while another 40% draws inspiration from Vlaams Belang, one of Belgium’s most prominent far-right parties. The remaining 20% of the party’s platform is unique to the movement.
However, there is a key distinction between the Trump party and Vlaams Belang: while Vlaams Belang advocates for Flemish separatism, Trump supports a unitary vision of Belgium. This emphasis on national unity may set the new party apart from other factions within the Belgian far-right, especially as tensions over regional autonomy and separatism continue to simmer.
Looking ahead to the 2029 elections, the Trump party intends to compete in both the federal and European parliamentary races. Additionally, the party is contemplating a strategic push into regional and municipal elections across the country. This broad ambition indicates that the group is keen on establishing itself as a significant political force in Belgium’s increasingly polarized political landscape.
The party’s official inauguration is scheduled for November 30, marking a major milestone for the movement and cementing its place on Belgium’s political stage.
The launch of the Trump party is likely to generate considerable debate both in Belgium and across Europe. The use of Trump’s name is sure to stir controversy, especially as populism, nationalism, and far-right movements continue to rise across the continent. The party’s platform, which blends economic populism with conservative social policies, may appeal to a segment of the Belgian electorate frustrated with the current political establishment.
However, it is also likely to face fierce opposition, particularly from mainstream parties and groups opposed to the far-right’s vision of national identity, immigration, and social welfare.
As the Trump party prepares for its debut in 2029, its leaders will undoubtedly face the challenges of building a political movement in a country known for its complex political landscape and diverse regional identities. Whether the party can make a lasting impact remains to be seen, but its emergence highlights the ongoing shift toward more extreme right-wing politics in Europe.
The formation of the Trump party in Belgium marks a new chapter for the country’s far-right politics. With a populist agenda inspired by the U.S. ex-president and a platform that combines social conservatism with economic populism, the party aims to carve out its place in the upcoming elections. As the 2029 elections draw closer, it will be interesting to see how this new political force influences Belgium’s political discourse and whether it can attract enough support to challenge the country’s established political elite.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.