The cat Maximus Textorius Pulcher has become a star on social media in Belgium thanks to his connection with Prime Minister Bart De Wever. It has been announced that Maximus is an official resident at the Prime Minister's residence '16 Rue de la Loi' in Brussels. He is believed to have the second-largest political Instagram account in Belgium, with around 142,000 followers, a number that comes only after De Wever's own account, who took office as Prime Minister this February. The grey cat, whom De Wever adopted from a shelter, does not hunt mice, as cats are accustomed to do in government offices. However, De Wever expressed his admiration for him, saying at a press conference: 'I have a cat in my office, he is grey, he doesn't hunt mice, but I love him anyway.' While Larry was considered the official political cat, Maximus offers witty insights into political life in Belgium through his Instagram account. The cat has added humorous touches to his posts, such as a satirical post on the first day of national protests against spending cuts last November, where he humorously indicated his master's displeasure. He also posted a picture of himself lying on the floor to reflect his frustration at the deadlock the coalition government had reached over the budget. Although Maximus is seen merely as a pampered pet, political science experts have stated that his account reflects a strategic aspect of De Wever's media team's work. Professor Dave Sinardet of the Free University of Brussels said: 'Maximus's account reflects an old tradition among politicians who seek to portray themselves with animals to highlight their attractive personal side.' For Bart De Wever, known for his seriousness at work, Maximus has helped to present a more human and closer-to-the-heart image, always appearing in photos with him while reading newspapers or in moments of relaxation, which reinforces the image of a diligent and dedicated official. Through Maximus's account, followers can get a glimpse into daily life at '16 Rue de la Loi', where the cat appears in comical situations, such as his posts about government meetings or during EU summits. And while some may see these posts as humorous, they actually contribute to strengthening De Wever's image as a committed leader with a likable personality. Also, despite the complaints some politicians raise about Maximus, these comments often only serve to strengthen De Wever's position, viewing the critics as complainers.
