Rexist Party of Belgium

political party, Belgium

Also known as: Rex, Rexists

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July 13, 2026

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The Rexist Party of Belgium was a fascist political party established in 1935 by L\u00e9on Degrelle. Degrelle, a dynamic orator, founded the Rexist Movement in 1930, initially aiming to "cleanse" the Roman Catholic religion of political influence. The party gained traction by addressing issues of banking scandals and corruption within existing national parties.12

Under Degrelle's leadership, the Rexists became a fascist organization, reportedly subsidized by Benito Mussolini. In 1936, the party elected 21 deputies to the Belgian Parliament. During World War II, Degrelle collaborated with German occupation forces and commanded storm-trooper brigades that fought on the Russian front. After Belgium's liberation, Degrelle was sentenced to death in absentia for collaboration and fled to Spain.2

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Belgium
The interwar period
…little success and the broader-based Rexists under the leadership of Léon Degrelle. The latter party won 21 seats, more than 10 percent of the chamber, in the elections of 1936. Strikes broke out in the same year and led the tripartite government of Paul van Zeeland to establish paid holidays…
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…little success and the broader-based Rexists under the leadership of Léon Degrelle. The latter party won 21 seats, more than 10 percent of the chamber, in the elections of 1936. Strikes broke out in the same year and led the tripartite government of Paul van Zeeland to establish paid holidays…
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Léon Degrelle
…founder and leader of the Rexist Party of Belgium, who collaborated with the Germans during World War II.
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…founder and leader of the Rexist Party of Belgium, who collaborated with the Germans during World War II.
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fascism
National fascisms
In Belgium the Rexist Party, led by Léon Degrelle, won about 10 percent of the seats in the parliament in 1936. Russian fascist organizations were founded by exiles in Manchuria, the United States, and elsewhere; the largest of these groups were the Russian Fascist Party (VFP), led by…
Read More
In Belgium the Rexist Party, led by Léon Degrelle, won about 10 percent of the seats in the parliament in 1936. Russian fascist organizations were founded by exiles in Manchuria, the United States, and elsewhere; the largest of these groups were the Russian Fascist Party (VFP), led by…
Read More