Conference
Door Axel Miller
Invitation to a special conference at Foster Rosières
“Behind the scenes of the formation of the Arizona government: testimony and reflections of Axel Miller”
We are pleased to invite you to a unique evening centred around a key theme of Belgian political life: the formation of federal governments, their hidden stakes, and their complex negotiations.
Our guest, Axel Miller, will share his experience at the heart of one of the most unique political configurations in recent years: the so-called Arizona coalition.
Axel Miller
Man of files and networks, Axel Miller has been active for nearly 40 years in the Belgian economic and political landscape.
Trained as a lawyer and a former barrister at the Brussels Bar, he became known to the general public as the CEO of the bank and then of the Dexia group, before leading several companies in the banking and industrial sectors.
But his journey doesn't stop there!
Having worked as chief of staff at the Presidency of the Reformist Movement (MR) between 2020 and 2025, Axel Miller has been a privileged observer of the workings of the Belgian political world in recent years, serving as a political advisor and participating in the negotiations of several government agreements.
In 2024, during nine months of negotiations, he was part of the MR teams, at the intersection of party logics, community power dynamics, and institutional requirements.
Complex negotiations that will lead to the formation of the Bart De Wever I federal government, an unprecedented coalition of seven parties nicknamed "Arizona" — a true exercise in institutional and ideological balancing.
In this conference, Axel Miller will share his thoughts on:
• the reasons why the formation of a government in Belgium is such a long and delicate process;
• the balance of power between parties, cabinets, and political figures;
• the challenges the country is facing and the question of why our institutions struggle so much to agree on the reforms to be implemented;
• and the lessons to be learned from this unique political adventure.
A dive into the heart of the corridors of power, far from media shortcuts, nourished by a rare and free voice.
A first-hand account, at the intersection of politics, economics, and institutions.
The conference will be followed by a dinner cocktail, conducive to privileged exchanges with our guest and the participants.
Book your place today for a moment of reflection and dialogue on the behind-the-scenes of our democracy.
📅 Thursday 20 November
📍 Foster Rosières
🥂 Conference followed by a dinner cocktail
🎟️ Limited places – registration required
👉 A rare dive into the behind-the-scenes of Belgian power. Not to be missed.