There is something of a paradox in the career of Sébastien Boussois. A doctor of political science, a specialist in the Middle East, and long identified with the left, he now finds himself at the helm of Pan, a historic Belgian satirical publication known for leaning in the opposite direction. Recruited by the weekly's effervescent owner, John-Alexander Bogaerts, he embraces this balancing act, which clearly doesn't faze him.
As the new editor-in-chief for just a few months, he intends to awaken the weekly, give it new momentum, and, above all, expand its playground to France. We met with a man who, since his arrival in Brussels in 2007, has constantly moved between politics, media, and culture.
An unapologetic editorial line
When I ask him what editorial line he intends to give Pan, his answer is swift: "We want to be the maverick of the right."
A line he fully owns, critical of progressivism and "wokism," but one that he says is not simply about taking the opposite stance to mainstream media. Above all, he wants to delve deeper into certain topics and offer an alternative reading of the news.
This ambition also involves a particular conception of journalism. And on this point, Boussois makes no pretence.
"The objectivity of journalism, for me, is complete nonsense"
Sébastien Boussois has little faith in the idea of completely neutral journalism.
"The objectivity of journalism, for me, is complete nonsense. It makes no sense."
For him, major press titles have always been shaped by specific sensibilities and editorial lines. What has changed is the fragmentation of the media landscape and the emergence of a multitude of new voices.
He also has a nuanced view of traditional media. Their loss of credibility, he argues, is not only linked to their editorial choices but also to their diminishing resources and their capacity to conduct on-the-ground investigations.
Pan aims to occupy this space with a different voice, without claiming to replace the justice system. For Boussois, investigative journalism is essential, but it must not become "media justice."
Print, but in the age of social media
The paradox is obvious: taking the helm of a print publication at a time when information travels at the speed of social networks.
And yet, Boussois defends print. "A print paper has the merit of being physically there, in the archives and in memory."
But he also knows that the future is digital. Pan already has a significant community on Facebook, and certain topics resonate strongly. The objective now is to structure this presence, develop the website, improve SEO, and grow on social media.
He speaks of an "urgent need for communicational and informational rearmament." A phrase that aptly captures the challenge: to maintain the strength of a weekly while learning to exist in real-time.
"Belgians must move on"
This is perhaps the most symbolic change.
Pan no longer wants to see itself solely as a Belgian weekly. Upon his arrival, Boussois had the tagline changed: from "Belgian weekly since 1945," Pan became "Francophone weekly since 1945."
The reason is simple: the Belgian market is small, and the debates covered by the publication extend far beyond the country's borders.
"I would like to have three or four points of sale in Paris," he explains.
For him, it's not about leaving Brussels, but about significantly expanding Pan's playing field. France represents a new avenue for development, with topics and writers capable of reaching a wider audience.
Originally from France, now a naturalised Belgian citizen, based in Brussels since 2007, and having completed his post-doctorate at ULB, Boussois naturally possesses this dual perspective.
Brussels, Paris, and a new chapter for Pan
His view on Belgium has evolved, however. After nearly twenty years in Brussels, he is now very critical of the country's future and believes that certain cultural and political battles will be fought more intensely in France.
"I think I'd rather go and fight in France," he says.
In the context of our conversation, this phrase doesn't mean he wishes to abandon Brussels. Rather, it takes on its full meaning when he talks about Pan: he wants to give the weekly the means to overcome its historic market and seek out new readers beyond the border.
One question remains: with what resources?
This is ultimately the question that accompanies all of Boussois's ambitions.
He took the helm of Pan about three months ago with many ideas, a digital strategy, and the desire to develop the Pan Club, strengthen social networks, and make the title relevant beyond its traditional readership.
But an editorial strategy is not enough. Distribution, digital presence, SEO, communication, and business development are all major projects that need to be undertaken to turn this ambition into reality.
This is probably one of the keys to the next chapter of the adventure.
Because Sébastien Boussois did not come to Pan simply to manage a historic title. He wants to broaden its audience and embark on a new Francophone venture.
The bet is a bold one. And just three months after his arrival, the new dynamic is already well underway.
One thing is certain: the new editor-in-chief has already reconnected Pan with an ambition that extends far beyond Belgium's borders.
About this interview
Interview conducted by Carl De Moncharline on 6 September 2026 in Brussels, with the assistance of Plaud.ai for recording and transcription, followed by AI tools for editorial formatting. Our editorial team fully endorses the use of these technologies: they save time and allow for a more faithful rendering of the exchanges. The comments have been reorganised and slightly reformulated for readability, without any intention of altering their meaning. Artificial intelligence remains a tool at the service of the journalist, not a substitute for human interaction.
🔗 Verifiable sources & links
- Radio Judaïca — "Sébastien Boussois is the new editor-in-chief of the Belgian satirical weekly Pan" (8 June 2026)
- La Tribune des Nations — Sébastien Boussois's author page
- Le360 — "Morocco Publication: ‘The Force of Stability’ by Sébastien Boussois or the art of endurance"
- Valeurs actuelles — "Opinion: The affective revolution or the disaster of a world that no longer knows how to love"
- 21News — "Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri: ‘This is a historic moment, as it’s the first time a woman has been appointed to head a government in Morocco’"
