Sebastian Bongard

Sebastian Bongard (1688-1747) was Chief Minister and an important adviser of King Marten I. Bongard, a protégé of Antonio van Biancator was not connected to Brunant's elite, but was nonetheless a shrewd politician, of the same conservative vein as the Count of Biancator but less pragmatic.

Bongard was appointed to his position in 1725, holding it until 1739. He was known for high and sometimes frivolous spending, drawing the ire of liberals and was also opposed by the powerful pro-Spanish faction for his opposition to a Bourbon alliance.

Growing discontent among other royal advisers led to rumors of corruption, and eventually he was arrested and imprisoned in April 1739 and removed from power.