Hubert Joseph Walthère Frère-Orban (French pronunciation: [ybɛʁ ʒozɛf waltɛʁ fʁɛʁ ɔʁbɑ̃]; 24 April 1812 – 2 January 1896) was a Belgian liberal statesman.

He was born at Liège, received his education at home and in Paris, and began the practice of law in his native town.

In 1870 the Catholics regained their supremacy and forced him to retire, but from 1878 to 1884 he was again at the head of the cabinet, most notably breaking off diplomatic relations with the Papal States in 1880 (which were restored in 1884).

[3] Standing as a liberal again in the October 1894 elections, he categorically refused the support of Catholics against progressives and socialists.

Frère-Orban's liberalism consisted in the assertion of the authority of the state over the church and the defense of the system of secular public instruction against the clergy.