12 Facts About Steve Stevaert

Steve Stevaert became politically active in 1982 under the wings of his mentor Willy Claes.

Steve Stevaert was elected to the Provincial Council of Limburg from 1985 to 1995.

Steve Stevaert became mayor and member of the city council of Hasselt in 1995.

Steve Stevaert was elected to the Flemish parliament in 1995 and was re-elected in 1999 and 2004.

Steve Stevaert served as Flemish minister of Public Works, Transport and Spatial planning from 1998 to 1999 and as Flemish minister of Mobility, Transport and Public Works from 1999 to 2003, when he resigned having become chairman of his party, succeeding Patrick Janssens.

Steve Stevaert was chairman from 2003 until he resigned on 25 May 2005, having been appointed governor of the province Limburg, in which function he succeeded governor Hilde Houben-Bertrand.

Steve Stevaert became the 15th governor, and the first 'socialist' governor of this province.

On 9 June 2009, the day of the Flemish regional elections, Steve Stevaert announced he would step down as governor.

Steve Stevaert was succeeded by his fellow socialist Herman Reynders.

Steve Stevaert was given the honorary title of Minister of State on 26 January 2004.

Subsequently, on 2 April 2015, the public prosecutor of Hasselt confirmed that Steve Stevaert had gone missing.

Steve Stevaert's body was found that same day around 6:00 pm by divers in the Albert Canal near Hasselt.