BRUSSELS — In an unexpected move, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has taken a lighthearted approach to a recently thwarted terror plot aimed at him. Instead of dwelling on the serious nature of the incident, De Wever shared a humorous image of his cat, Maximus, on Instagram, showcasing his ability to find levity even amid troubling circumstances.
In the playful post, De Wever can be seen lounging on a couch alongside his pet cat, with a speech bubble reading, “Maximus, can you catch a drone?” The sleepy feline, a Scottish Fold named Maximus, responds with, “Catching a dream? Like no one else can.” This clever wordplay plays on the Dutch similarity between the words for drone (drone) and dream (droom).
Connection to popular culture
Adding a touch of nostalgia, De Wever included the iconic ’80s hit “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics in the post, further emphasizing the whimsical tone. The Instagram account dedicated to Maximus has become increasingly popular, amassing over 62,000 followers since its inception.
Details of the foiled plot
On Thursday, authorities arrested three young suspects in Antwerp who were allegedly involved in planning a terrorist attack targeting several politicians, including De Wever, a former mayor of the city. Prosecutors reported that the suspects intended to use a drone to deliver explosives as part of their scheme, prompting an ongoing investigation into the details of the plot.
Maximus, who has been a resident at the Belgian Prime Minister’s office on Rue de la Loi since late July, has become a beloved figure in De Wever’s life and a source of joy during a challenging time.