De Wever to stay on as formateur in Belgian government talks
Bart De Wever will continue to serve as federal formateur for at least another 10 days, leading the negotiations to form a new Belgian government. He will have to report back to King Philippe on 20 December, the palace announced.
De Wever, leader of the Flemish nationalist party N-VA, spoke to the King at the Palace on Tuesday after a meeting with the party leaders currently negotiating the formation of the next Belgian government.
Three parties have expressed frustration in recent days with the methods of the formateur. De Wever wanted to push ahead with an agreement on the country's budget, but Les Engagés, Vooruit and CD&V were reluctant to commit themselves without knowing the concrete reforms behind the figures.
Changing tack
According to several sources, it was agreed at Tuesday's meeting to change tack in the coming days. Negotiators will hold substantive sessions on various issues, after which they will consider how to adjust the budget table.
"Each party has its sensitivities, but in the end everyone agreed to this way of working"
The "unwavering" budgetary framework put on the table by De Wever on Monday was reportedly abandoned. "No ultimatum was actually given on Tuesday, it was not a 'make or break' moment," said one insider. "Each party has its sensitivities, but in the end everyone agreed to this way of working."
Afterwards, several key negotiators said De Wever could continue as formateur. He will normally do so until at least 20 December, when he will have to report back to the King.
Government before Christmas?
The negotiating parties would like to form a new federal government before Christmas, but in the past week several close sources have unofficially raised questions about whether this timing is still realistic.
Negotiations should take place "seven days a week, from morning to night", said Vandenbroucke
On Monday, several negotiators called for the pace of talks to be stepped up significantly. Negotiations should take place "seven days a week, from morning to night", said Frank Vandenbroucke of the socialist Vooruit party.
Formateur Bart De Wever and King Philippe of Belgium shake hands ahead of a meeting at the Royal Palace on Tuesday 10 December 2024 © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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