On Thursday 20 November 2025, Foster hosted about thirty participants who came to attend a conference dedicated to a subject as central as it is complex: the functioning of Belgian politics and the challenges related to the formation of governments.
The guest of this meeting, Axel Miller opened his intervention with a phrase that immediately captured the attention of the assembly:
"Forming a government in Belgium is a constant balancing act."
In a few words, the scene was set. That of a country small in size, but complex in its structures, parties, and sensitivities.
A rare perspective, nourished by long experience
A trained lawyer, Axel Miller shared an analysis drawn from over 35 years of experience at the intersection of the economic and political worlds. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions in several large companies and institutions, while also being recently involved in political spheres as chief of staff to the president of the MR and director of the Jean Gol study centre.
This dual perspective, both economic and political, has allowed him to shed light on the mechanisms of negotiation and of decision from a perspective rarely accessible to the general public.
A multidimensional policy… and deeply human
Rather than proposing a single explanation for political blockages, Axel Miller highlighted, among other things, the multidimensional nature of the Belgian system. The multiplicity of parties, institutional complexity, and sometimes divergent regional interests are all factors that make each negotiation particularly delicate.
But beyond the structures, he emphasised an often neglected element: the human factor. Personalities, interpersonal relationships, life paths, and group dynamics play a determining role in the ability of political leaders to find compromises and build majorities.
“Ultimately, it is the men and women who make the difference.”
Exchanges that extend beyond the conference
The evening took place in a deliberately friendly atmosphere conducive to questions. Participants were able to confront their viewpoints, ask for clarifications, and share their own concerns about the political future of the country.
At the end of the conference, discussions continued over a dinner cocktail, providing a more informal setting to extend exchanges and meet the speaker.
Creating spaces to reflect and debate
By hosting this type of event, Foster continues its ambition to become a place where one does not only come to work, but also understanding the world around us. Offering moments of pause, reflection and dialogue is an integral part of the project's vision: bringing together people from different backgrounds to encourage the exchange of ideas and foster active curiosity.
Axel Miller's conference is fully aligned with this approach. It illustrates Foster's desire to offer meetings that go beyond simple networking, to open in-depth discussions on the economic, societal and political issues that shape our daily lives.
