Boudewijn Bouckaert, born July 21, 1947, is a law professor in Belgium, associated with the Flemish Movement and recognized as a libertarian conservative thinker and politician. Bouckaert served as a Member of the Flemish Parliament, representing the liberal party List Dedecker. His influence extends to his roles as past president of Belgian classical liberal think tanks Nova Civitas, Cassandra, and Libera!

Boudewijn, with a PhD, imparts knowledge at the Law School of the University of Ghent, the University of Paris, and the University of Aix-Marseille. Bouckaert serves as the director of the Department of Legal Theory and History at Ghent University, chairing the European Master in Law and Economics program.

Boudewijn Bouckaert’s academic journey includes lecturing at the Institute for Humane Studies in Fairfax, Virginia, and the Institute for Economic Studies in Paris, France. He has been a visitor at Harvard University. Past engagements involve sitting on the Belgian High Council for Judicial Matters and chairing the Land Management Committee. He is a proud member of the international free-market group Mont Pelerin Society. He succeeded Professor Matthias Storme as the chairman of the Overlegcentrum van Vlaamse Verenigingen (OVV) in 2006, a flamingant organisation in Belgium. Bouckaert faced a personal loss as his pregnant wife, Katrien Van den Berghe, succumbed to a cerebral haemorrhage at Ghent University Hospital, leading to the loss of their unborn son, Elias, on June 7, 2007.

What is the Political Party of Boudewijn Bouckaert?

The political party of Boudewijn Bouckaert is List Dedecker. List Dedecker (Lijst Dedecker or ‘LDD’) was established in January 2007 by Senator Jean-Marie Dedecker. Boudewijn Bouckaert, formerly a board member of the Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD) party, sparked controversy in 2005 by advocating for the evolution towards a two-party system, aligning a left-wing bloc and a right-wing bloc. The stance diverged from the party line, leading to a conflict with party chairman Bart Somers. Bouckaert resigned from the party board in July 2005 due to a disagreement. Bouckaert’s political history evolved from different political parties, and he was unafraid to share his political ideas.  

 Dedecker founded LDD following the 2006 assessment by the Cassandra think tank, which identified a space for a right-wing conservative-liberal movement in the Flemish Community, having departed from the Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD) party. The need for a “common sense party” was emphasised. Dedecker, drawing inspiration from figures like Geert Wilders and Pim Fortuyn, aimed to position himself as the Flemish party’s political equivalent.  

What is the previous Political Part of Boudewijn Bouckaert?

The previous political party of Boudewijn Bouckaert was the Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD). Bouckaert, once a board member of the Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD) party, stirred controversy in 2005 by advocating for a shift towards a two-party system akin to the Anglo-Saxon model. His proposal outlined two distinct blocs: a left-wing alliance around sp.a, ACV, and Groen! and a right-wing bloc with VLD, the right wing of CD&V, N-VA, and Vlaams Belang. The dissent from the party line led to a conflict with party chairman Bart Somers, resulting in Bouckaert’s resignation from the party board on July 8, 2005. Bouckaert, Dedecker, and others engaged in talks to establish a new right-wing liberal party. He officially left VLD on October 27, 2006, citing the party’s shift towards left-liberal tendencies. Bouckaert briefly joined N-VA but ultimately aligned with Dedecker after his dismissal from N-VA and the formation of List Dedecker.  

What is the Official Title of Boudewijn Bouckaert?

The official title of Boudewijn Bouckaert is actively involved in the Flemish Movement and is a prominent libertarian conservative thinker and politician. Bouckaert has played a crucial role in shaping political discourse as the chair of the LIB-ERA! think tank’s academic board and a Member of the Flemish Parliament for the liberal party List Dedecker. Bouckaert was president of the renowned Belgian classical liberal think tank Nova Civitas.

Bouckaert imparts knowledge at esteemed institutions such as the Law School of the University of Ghent, the University of Paris, and the University of Aix-Marseille. Bouckaert assumes the role of director of the Department of Legal Theory and History at Ghent University, contributing significantly to legal education. He chaired the European Master in Law and Economics program, showcasing his leadership in academia.

Bouckaert’s influence extends beyond Belgium, having lectured at esteemed institutions like the Institute for Humane Studies in Fairfax, Virginia, and the Institute for Economic Studies in Paris, France. His academic pursuits led him to Harvard University as a visitor. In the realm of judicial matters, he previously sat on the Belgian High Council for Judicial Matters and chaired the Land Management Committee. A distinguished member of the international free-market group Mont Pelerin Society, Bouckaert continues to contribute to the global discourse on liberal principles.

Bouckaert assumed the role of chairman of the Overlegcentrum van Vlaamse Verenigingen in 2006, a flamingant organization in Belgium, succeeding Professor Matthias Storme. Bouckaert remains a significant figure in the intersection of law, politics, and academia through his multifaceted contributions.

Some of Boudewijn Bouckaert’s official titles are listed below.

• Chair of LIB-ERA! Think Tank’s Academic Board: Boudewijn Bouckaert holds the position of Chair on the academic board of LIB-ERA!, a think tank. He contributes to shaping political discourse and promoting liberal-conservative ideas.
• Member of Flemish Parliament for List Dedecker: Bouckaert is engaged in Belgian politics as a representative of the liberal party. List Dedecker serves as a member of the Flemish Parliament. His role involves participating in legislative processes and advocating for liberal principles.
• President of Nova Civitas: Boudewijn Bouckaert has served as the President of Nova Civitas, a renowned Belgian classical liberal think tank. In such a capacity, he has played a pivotal role in advancing classical liberal ideas and contributing to public policy discussions.
• Law Professor and Director at Ghent University: Bouckaert holds a PhD and is a law professor at Ghent University. He is the Director of the Department of Legal Theory and History and has significantly contributed to legal education and academic leadership.
• Chairman of the European Master in Law and Economics Program: Boudewijn Bouckaert has chaired the European Master in Law and Economics program at Ghent University. It demonstrates his academic leadership and commitment to interdisciplinary legal and economic education.
• Lecturer at International Institutions: Bouckaert has lectured at esteemed institutions beyond Belgium, such as the Institute for Humane Studies in Fairfax, Virginia, and the Institute for Economic Studies in Paris, France. His international engagements showcase his influence on liberal principles in the global discourse.
• High Council for Judicial Matters and Land Management Committee: Bouckaert previously sat on the Belgian High Council for Judicial Matters, contributing his expertise to judicial matters. He chaired the Land Management Committee, showcasing his involvement in legal and administrative domains.
• Chairman of Overlegcentrum van Vlaamse Verenigingen: Bouckaert assumed the role of Chairman of the Overlegcentrum van Vlaamse Verenigingen in 2006, a flamingant organisation in Belgium. The position reflects his commitment to the Flemish Movement and cultural advocacy.
• Distinguished Member of Mont Pelerin Society: Bouckaert is a distinguished member of the international free-market group Mont Pelerin Society, contributing to discussions and debates on liberal principles at the global level.

What are the Important News about Boudewijn Bouckaert?

The important news about Boudewijn Bouckaert is listed below.

• A PAL CAST exclusive interview with Boudewijn Bouckaert, who has been emeritus since 2012, reveals his influence. Bouckaert continues contributing to an Erasmus program and is actively involved in various organizations despite his retirement, notably the anti-woke platform ‘Hypatia.’ PAL CAST journalist Wannes Neukermans delves into a conversation with Bouckaert, exploring topics such as liberalism, freedom, security, Flemish politics, and his dedicated stance against woke ideologies through the lens of his newly established anti-woke platform.
• The European Confederalist Society was inaugurated at the Think Tank Central Conference of New Directions in Madrid on September 29, 2023. The initiative, spearheaded by Pieter Cleppe, the Director of the European Confederalist Society, seeks to strike a balance between EU centralisation and exit, advocating for decentralisation and preserving the autonomy of the EU’s democracies. Boudewijn Bouckaert, a notable figure in Belgian law and politics, is a distinguished member of the Patronage Committee for the society. The manifesto emphasises the need for a nuanced approach, focusing on the core business of the EU, removing trade barriers within the internal market and globally. The European Confederalist Society aims to offer a constructive alternative with academics, writers, and policymakers uniting under such a cause, addressing concerns about centralisation, national sovereignty, and the future of cooperation among European countries.
• The Flemish ‘Forum for Democracy’ launched a petition on Twitter on May 29, 2019, calling for the repeal of the cordon sanitaire. It is an agreement among traditional parties to exclude the far-right Vlaams Belang from government participation. Boudewijn Bouckaert heads the Forum and emphasises its role as a think tank rather than a political party. It draws inspiration from the Dutch Forum for Democracy. The petition, shared with the hashtag #CordonSanitaireWegErmee (#CordonSanitaireGetRidOfIt), challenges what it deems an outdated, discriminatory, and sectarian practice. The Forum expresses concerns about the impact of the cordon sanitaire on the democratic process in Flanders despite explicitly distancing itself from Vlaams Belang. The initiative asserts its commitment to human rights, rejecting racism and discrimination while questioning the exclusion of Vlaams Belang—a party representing nearly one-fifth of the Flemish population—from pre-negotiation discussions and potential governmental participation. The Forum’s plea, articulated through the petition, seeks to position Vlaams Belang as a legitimate participant in democratic processes, calling for fair consideration and a chance for negotiations.
• A prestigious ‘Prize for Freedom’ was presented to Boudewijn Bouckaert on May 6, 2022, by the think tank Libera!. The organisation, led by Bouckaert himself for several years, contends that he deserved such recognition years ago and aims to rectify what it calls a historical injustice by including him in its honours list. Libera! highlights Bouckaert’s unparalleled contribution to classical liberalism in Flanders over the past four decades, emphasising his unwavering promotion of the values of a free society throughout his academic and political career. Vincent De Roeck, representing Libera!, lauds Bouckaert as a “public intellectual” deeply committed to liberal philosophy, legal economics, and extensive writing. Bouckaert’s impact as a professor, dean at Ghent University, and former Member of Parliament is acknowledged, emphasising his role as both a source of inspiration and a provocative figure challenging compromise and self-interest in politics. The recognition elicits praise from individuals like Jean-Marie Dedecker and legal scholar Marc De Vos, underlining Bouckaert’s enduring influence as an intellectual and educator.

What are the Political Ideas of Boudewijn Bouckaert?

Boudewijn Bouckaert, an emeritus professor of law and ‘law and economics’ at Ghent University, is among the core members of the recently established hotline, “Hypatia.” The initiative, led by Flemish and Dutch academics, addresses concerns about the perceived rise in “woke activism and cancel culture” within universities and research institutions. Bouckaert, along with other influential figures like Mark Elchardus, Matthias Storme, and Paul Cliteur, is part of the eight-member core team of Hypatia. The group advocates for academic freedom and freedom of expression, expressing concerns about academics’ growing criticism of their statements and opinions. They highlight incidents involving UAntwerp employees Astrid Elbers and Leo Neels, who faced repercussions after criticising their rector. Bouckaert and his colleagues emphasise the need to uphold academic assessment criteria and protect the presumption of innocence in the face of allegations. The academics involved in Hypatia see “woke” and “cancel culture” as significant threats to academic freedom, and the hotline aims to provide a platform for reporting incidents and addressing these concerns.

What are the awards Boudewijn Bouckaert recevied as Politician?

One of Bouderwijn Bouckaert’s awards was the Prize for Liberty by the Flemish classical-liberal think tank Libera. The organisation asserts that Boudewijn Bouckaert must have been awarded the prize years ago. Libera!, under Bouckaert’s leadership for an extended period, deems it necessary “to rectify the historical injustice and acknowledge the professor in its list of honours.” Nova Civitas, a Flemish think tank, was established based on the principles of classic liberalism and Anglo-Saxon conservatism, asserting complete independence despite its recognition and support from the Flemish Liberal Party (VLD). Boudewijn Bouckaert, the Founding Chairman of Nova Civitas, had a longstanding affiliation with the VLD and was a board member. The fundamental tenets of Nova Civitas, as outlined on their website, emphasised the interconnection of freedom and responsibility, the need for the valorisation of the family as a cornerstone of a free society, the de-feudalization of the economy with the protection of free entrepreneurship, and the imperative to uphold the rule of law.