The Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD) became the largest party.

The Christian Democrats (CVP/PSC) suffered historic losses due to the dioxine affair that broke loose that year.

Jean-Luc Dehaene's reign of eight years came to an end.

Verhofstadt formed a six-party coalition comprising the liberal (VLD and PRL), socialist (SP and PS), and green parties (Agalev and Ecolo).

It was the first liberal-led government since 1938, and the first since 1958 that didn't include a Christian Democratic party.