King accepts Bart De Wever's resignation as formateur
Bart De Wever handed in his resignation as formateur during a consultation at the Royal Palace in Brussels on Thursday evening. King Philippe accepted the resignation and will consult with the leaders of the five parties involved in the government negotiations on Friday.
Negotiations to form a federal government with N-VA, Vooruit, CD&V, MR and Les Engagés have been deadlocked since Sunday night as negotiators failed to agree on a capital gains tax. MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez rejected a last-ditch proposal by De Wever, leading to his resignation as formateur.
Several of these parties expressed their disappointment at the failure of the negotiations. Les Engagés leader Maxime Prévot said the failure because of "a dispute over a single measure" was "dramatic for the credibility of the democrats".
Vooruit blames Bouchez
Meanwhile, Vooruit leader Conner Rouseau took to Instagram to blame Bouchez for the failure of the negotiations, without directly naming him. "Is it just that some protect the biggest wealth holders from contributing more fairly?" he asked.
Bouchez wrote on X that he did not want to comment on "partial or incorrect information in the press" and attacked those who had leaked details of the negotiations. He also insisted that the failed attempt did not mean the negotiations had finally failed.
The King will meet the leaders of the parties on Friday to see if there is a way forward and to start the process of appointing the next formateur.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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