they were the first elections after the second world war and saw fundamental changes among the political parties. the flemish national union, which held 17 seats prior to the war and collaborated with nazi germany during the war, was outlawed. the catholic party changed into the christian social party while the belgian labour party changed into the belgian socialist party. the liberal party suffered major losses, while the christian social party and the communist party made major gains. despite this, the socialist party led by paul-henri spaak formed a minority government, which fell shortly after.