Bart De Wever to be named formateur of federal government
Socialist party Vooruit is ready to start negotiations on the formation of a federal government, leader Melissa Depraetere and candidate leader Conner Rousseau announced on Tuesday. This means the way is clear for N-VA's Bart De Wever to become formateur when he meets King Philippe on Wednesday morning.
Unlike the N-VA, MR, Les Engagés and CD&V, Vooruit initially held back from joining the federal formation talks. The socialists were reluctant to join a centre-right government that would cut purchasing power, healthcare and prosperity.
But a meeting on Tuesday afternoon with De Wever and the four other parties convinced Rousseau to enter negotiations. According to him, there is now talk of a socio-economic "recovery government", with promises of increased purchasing power for the lowest earners and healthcare reform that would allow continued investment.
Faster than expected
De Wever can now start negotiating a government. This process will begin with his meeting with King Philippe at 10.00 on Wednesday. The King will officially appoint him formateur, meaning he will lead the process of drafting a coalition agreement for the next federal government.
Few would have predicted that negotiations for the next federal government would begin just a month after the elections. Government negotiations in Belgium usually take months or even years, with the 2010 elections breaking the world record for the longest government formation process at 541 days.
Bart De Wever © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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