The opposite is true of Jan Peumans (N-VA), the man everyone thought would get Muyters’ portfolio. Peumans had to settle for the presidency of the Flemish Parliament, which was a bit of a disappointment, but he didn’t sulk. Instead, he has become somewhat of a celebrity.

Jan Peumans comes from Riemst, a Limburg town that is closer to Maastricht and Liège than Brussels or Antwerp. For a long time, Peumans stayed clear of national politics, which he felt he could do without. He kept an outsider’s perspective, even after he had moved to his party’s inner circle. This has made him a favourite with journalists, who appreciate his candidness, his quirky character and critical attitude.

They also respect his work in parliament, especially on the Oosterweel project, long before this plan to complete the Antwerp Ring became heated. Shortly before the elections, several newspapers voted him “best Flemish MP”.

After the elections, he was named as the next mobility minister, but his party opted for the outsider Philippe Muyters. When, a couple of years ago, something similar happened to Flemish MP Eric Van Rompuy, he took his brother Herman’s advice. Be free, Herman said. From then on, Eric Van Rompuy always spoke out (until, that is, Herman became prime minister).

It looks like Jan Peumans has chosen the same option. The presidency of the Flemish Parliament requires a bit of distance, but that is not how Peumans functions. He started out by making clear that he would not be visiting the royal palace for reasons of protocol. Peumans simply does not like royalty.

Next, he spoke of his love for Wallonia, which is quite unusual for a Flemish nationalist. When a minor scandal erupted in Wallonia over the huge retirement bonus paid to the president of the Walloon Parliament, Peumans joined in the debate. He declared himself shocked by the size of his own paycheck. “I can do with thousands of euro less,” he said.

Now that is how you make headlines in Flanders. That, and bad maths.