Noble Purpose & politics in Belgium

How much Noble Purpose is there in politics in Belgium? That was the research question that led to 100 interviews of the top of Belgian politics and society. The author, Olivier Onghena-’t Hooft, GINPI’s founder, wrote an insightful and hands-on report with his findings.

You’ll find below the executive summary in English, as well as the links to the full report (in French and Dutch).

This report examines what Noble Purpose (abbreviated as NP) means in contemporary Belgian politics and why it is more urgent than ever. It begins with the observation that trust in politics is structurally low and that media pressure, polarisation and short-term thinking are increasingly dominating political action. It then explains what NP entails: a mindset aimed at creating sustainable social value. The report makes it clear that this is not an ideological position, but an inspiring moral compass that guides political choices and actions. It then distinguishes between NP and the public interest: the former is the leader’s intention, the latter the normative outcome for the community. NP is presented as a strategic anchor offering stability and consistency within a political system that is highly complex. The report specifically identifies five tasks for political leaders. It also emphasises that courage is needed to remain true to a NP and to oneself under media pressure. The core message is that democratic legitimacy cannot be taken for granted, but must be earned on a daily basis. The report concludes that political leaders only truly fulfil their mandate when their actions would still be the right thing for society and future generations, even without direct electoral reward. The report calls on political leaders to ask themselves to what extent what they stand for and what they do truly serves the community and future generations, or rather their own ambitions and convictions.