Former Belgian justice minister Paul Van Tigchelt leaves politics for CEO role

Paul Van Tigchelt has stepped down as a member of Belgium’s federal parliament to become CEO of Modero, a Belgian legal services and debt recovery company.

The liberal politician, who was briefly Belgium’s justice minister from 2023 to 2025, said he wanted to return to “work on the ground” and focus on practical impact. In a message on social media, he said he would help ensure that both debtors and creditors are treated fairly in a fast-changing legal world.

Van Tigchelt entered frontline politics only three years ago after a long career in Belgium’s security and justice system. Before becoming minister, he led OCAD, Belgium’s anti-terror threat analysis body, where he helped modernise security systems after the 2016 Brussels terror attacks.

As justice minister, he oversaw the approval of Belgium’s new criminal code, the first major reform since 1867. He also pushed for greater digitalisation of the justice system and a tougher approach to organised drug crime. However, his time in office was also marked by criticism over overcrowded prisons and rising drug-related violence in cities such as Antwerp and Brussels.

He will be replaced in parliament by Arthur Orlians, a 30-year-old local politician from Mechelen. Orlians said he wants to focus fully on the opposition role of the liberal Anders party in parliament.

In his farewell message, Van Tigchelt thanked colleagues in parliament, the police, justice services and security agencies for their cooperation over recent years.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Paul Van Tigchelt © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}