Brussels government talks likely to stall as Open VLD rejects coalition without N-VA
As new attempts to form a Brussels government are set to take off, liberal party Open VLD has refused to join a coalition that excludes the Flemish nationalist N-VA party. If it maintains this stance, the deadlock in Brussels is likely to continue.
Informateurs Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) and Christophe De Beukelaer (Les Engagés) are due to meet representatives of seven parties - liberal MR, socialist PS, Les Engagés, Groen, liberal Open VLD, socialist Vooruit and Christian democrats CD&V - for a plenary session on Monday afternoon.
After weeks of discussions, the informateurs have concluded that a coalition without N-VA is the only viable option, as PS refuses to govern alongside them. This means N-VA is out, with CD&V stepping in instead.
”We won’t join a government that doesn’t make Brussels a better place.”
However, Open VLD negotiator Frédéric De Gucht reiterated his party’s stance in an interview with De Morgen. “We won’t join a government that doesn’t make Brussels a better place," he said. "That’s only possible with the federal government’s cooperation, which means the party of the prime minister must be involved.”
De Gucht argues that N-VA’s inclusion is essential for tackling key issues such as security, finances and Brussels’ institutional structure. He also warns that Brussels’ mounting debt, already exceeding 13 billion euros, could become unmanageable without federal support.
Ideological differences
The informateurs have proposed a new cooperation platform between Brussels and the federal government, but Open VLD remains sceptical. “Sitting around a table doesn’t magically make people agree,” De Gucht said.
With the formation talks dragging on for nine months, De Gucht maintains that an agreement is possible with both N-VA and PS. However, PS remains firmly opposed to working with N-VA, citing ideological differences.
It remains to be seen whether the proposed coalition will move forward or if Open VLD’s insistence on including N-VA will force a rethink.
#FlandersNewsService | Informateurs Christophe De Beukelaer (Les Engages) and Elke Van Den Brandt (Groen) © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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