‘Wilfried Martens (1936-2013), every second a statesman’

Wilfried Martens, a former prime minister, president of the European People’s Party (EPP) and member of the Christian Democratic and Flemish party (CD&V), died on October 9, aged 77, in Lokeren (Flanders), reports De Standaard.

In an editorial, the daily reminds its readers that Martens, who headed nine coaltion governments, will be remembered for —

… his decisive role in the reforms creating a federal Belgium,[...] and his strategic vision in the development of the PPE as [Europe’s] leading political party.

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