Belgian government talks enter crucial weekend

Negotiators from the five parties trying to form the next Belgian government met on Saturday for the first day of a potentially crucial weekend of talks. The ambition remains to form a new government before the end of the year.

The party leaders of the N-VA, MR, Engagés, Vooruit and CD&V will tackle the issue of state reform on Saturday. In a federal state that is deeply split between the Dutch-speaking Flemish population and the French-speaking Walloons, the subject is a sensitive one.

On Sunday at 14:00, the negotiators will tackle an even more delicate topic, namely the budget and the major reforms to be carried out in the areas of taxation, employment and pensions. 

Major sticking points

During the week, formateur Bart De Wever of the Flemish nationalist N-VA met negotiators from each party separately to present them with budget tables. Several parties had objections, but the tables have since been adjusted, according to sources close to the negotiations.

The budget and tax, employment and pension reforms had already caused a first clash in the negotiations, leading to De Wever's resignation as formateur in early November. Since his reinstatement, thematic working groups have been negotiating to pave the way, leaving party leaders with only the major sticking points to resolve. 

Positive climate

Since the Flemish socialist party Vooruit returned to the negotiating table in mid-November, party leaders have been reviewing the results of the working groups. However, budgetary issues and major socio-economic reforms have yet to be addressed.

The success of Sunday's talks will also determine the course of further negotiations. Until the budgetary framework is clarified, it will be difficult to define the policies to be pursued in other areas.

So far, the meetings have taken place in a positive climate, although tensions could flare up again on Sunday. Negotiators have now stepped up the pace of talks to seven days a week. De Wever is expected to report to the King on 10 December. 

^{Formateur Bart De Wever and King Philippe of Belgium ahead of a meeting at the Royal Palace on 25 November to discuss the federal government talks © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}