Brussels government formation: MR proposes compromise to involve N-VA in coalition
Francophone liberal party MR has launched a new compromise proposal to involve the Flemish conservative N-VA in a Brussels coalition, not with a direct ministerial mandate, but with a government commissioner. The party expects a response from the various negotiators by 4 pm on Monday. The Brussels socialists of PS initially reacted negatively to the proposal.
In a letter, MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez and MR’s Brussels leader David Leisterh first summarised the current crisis: PS has a veto against N-VA in the government; Ecolo refuses to come to the table; Open VLD does not want to negotiate a coalition agreement without N-VA; the seven parties recently chosen by the mediators - PS, MR, Les Engagés, Groen, Vooruit, Open VLD and CD&V - fail to agree to work out a multi-annual budget; and MR refuses a coalition with Team Fouad Ahidar.
“Consequently, the MR, as the leading party in Brussels, wishes to formulate a compromise proposal to break the current deadlock,” they launched their proposal. “The N-VA is asked to agree not to take a ministerial seat as provided for in the agreement between the Dutch-speaking parties, but to support the government from the start in a strategic mission that will be carried out from the position of government commissioner. At the same time, the PS is asked not to extend its veto to an N-VA presence in such a formula.”
A party that does not reply to the proposal by 4 pm on Monday will be deemed to refuse the proposal. “Based on the replies, a formula will be established to finally start the government formation,” stated MR.
Negative reaction PS
Brussels PS leader Ahmed Laaouej initially reacted negatively. “A secretary of state or a government commissioner for N-VA remains the same, for us that means N-VA is part of the Brussels government,” he said.
Brussels N-VA negotiator Cieltje Van Achter, on the other hand, was more positive. “Let us urgently first get around the table together, restore trust and work out a strong coalition agreement,” she argued. "Only when that foundation is in place does it make sense for us to look at who takes up what power and in what capacity. As far as we are concerned, that is not a point of contention now.” Groen and Les Engagés also responded positively to the initiative.
MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez and MR’s Brussels leader David Leisterh © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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