 In November 2013, De Wever was admitted to hospital with severe anxiety and chest pains.He was readmitted into an intensive care unit in February 2014 with a severe lung infection.In March 2014, Bart De Wever made a live appearance at the Flemish television awards, dressed in a Panda suit; a reference to a decision by the Di Rupo government to import two pandas () at a cost per panda greater than the legal maximum director's salary in Belgium.