Mr De Wever's angry remarks followed a series of objections from political commentators and academics.

BBC: Europe

Its leader, Bart De Wever, also won the race to become mayor of Antwerp, Europe's second-biggest port city.

BBC: Belgian Flemish separatists make gains at polls

The first hint of a deal came in July, when the Flemish Christian Democrats broke ranks with Mr De Wever.

ECONOMIST: Belgium��s new government

Abroad, Mr De Wever is getting attention: he was recently invited to London for talks with the British prime minister, David Cameron.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

If the markets turn on Belgium, will the Flemish bourgeoisie see Mr De Wever as a man of principle or a chancer?

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

After their success became apparent, Mr De Wever immediately demanded negotiations "to enable both Flanders and Wallonia to look after their own affairs".

BBC: Belgian Flemish separatists make gains at polls

Mr De Wever has so far rejected all offers of compromise.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

Mr De Wever argues that the party is standing up for Belgium's Flemings, who make up 6 million people in a country of 11 million.

BBC: Belgian Flemish separatists make gains at polls

The principal obstacle is Bart De Wever, leader of the Flemish nationalist party N-VA, who surprised all by becoming the biggest winner of the 2010 election.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

Led by Bart de Wever, a charismatic bruiser, the N-VA's appeal stems precisely from popular exasperation with the messy, unsatisfying compromises of the older political groups.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

It is a position which helped them to win 27 out of 150 seats in the last general election in 2010, but also led to political paralysis when Mr De Wever could not come to an agreement with coalition partners.

BBC: Belgian Flemish separatists make gains at polls