He was the mayor of Leuven (1995–2018) He graduated in Romance philology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

At that time, the party faced difficulties due to the Agusta scandal in which several Flemish and Francophone Socialists were accused of corruption.

In 1995, Tobback also became the mayor of Leuven, and he was granted the title of Minister of State in recognition of his work in politics.

In April 1998, he again became Minister of the Interior, after Johan Vande Lanotte (also SP.A) resigned because of the escape of Marc Dutroux during his transport from jail to the court hall.

In September 1998, Tobback himself resigned after a Nigerian candidate for immigration (Semira Adamu) died during her forced repatriation.