Government coalition talks reach crucial stage
Negotiators from the N-VA, MR, CD&V, Les Engagés and Vooruit are due to meet on Wednesday afternoon for a "final conclave" in order to reach a coalition agreement by Friday.
On the eve of the meeting, formateur Bart De Wever of N-VA worked with the negotiators to resolve as many non-socioeconomic issues as possible, covering areas such as health, migration, energy and mobility. According to sources, a few outstanding issues remain, but they are relatively minor.
A major point of negotiation remains De Wever's "super note", which outlines socioeconomic reforms in the labour market, pensions and taxation. These proposals, which were leaked to the press last week, have been criticised by Vooruit and CD&V.
The Flemish socialists of Vooruit strongly oppose changes to automatic wage indexation, arguing that the proposed reforms would have a negative impact on workers' purchasing power. They also insist on a higher capital gains tax, claiming that the wealthiest should contribute more.
Ethical issues
For Flemish Christian democrats CD&V, ethical issues including abortion and euthanasia remain divisive. The party favours an approach similar to that of the previous government, which kept such issues within the ruling coalition rather than the wider parliament. Vooruit, on the other hand, is in favour of extending the abortion limit, a position opposed by CD&V and N-VA, while the francophone parties want a free vote on the issue.
The coalition talks also include discussions on institutional reforms, a priority for the Flemish nationalist N-VA but of lesser importance to the other parties. These issues are expected to be addressed after the socioeconomic negotiations.
The goal remains to reach a coalition agreement by Friday, when De Wever will meet King Philippe for the 18th time at the Palace. He has already said he will resign as formateur if no agreement is reached, having previously indicated that he would not ask for additional time beyond his 17th royal audience.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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