Elections 2024: Ghent coalition talks in turmoil as socialists reject N-VA partnership
Members of Ghent’s socialist Vooruit party have rejected a proposed coalition with the right-wing N-VA. The vote on Sunday saw 56 per cent of Vooruit members oppose the partnership, dashing hopes for a two-thirds majority needed for approval. With the coalition now in jeopardy, the path forward remains uncertain. Groen, a former partner, could reenter negotiations.
Tensions were high from the outset, with members divided over the deal. Veteran Vooruit member Frank Roels and union leader Jo Schelstraete were among those who vocally opposed the coalition, criticising N-VA’s role in Ghent’s municipal council over the past six years.
Others defended the agreement as a progressive solution for Ghent, emphasising social initiatives like free public transport for young people and increased affordable housing.
Pragmatic choice
Pressure on the socialists, who are part of the social-liberal alliance Voor Gent, has been mounting for some time. The liberal wing has been strongly expressing its preference for an N-VA partnership, which it deems the more pragmatic choice in times of budget cuts and financial constraints, whereas many socialists have been favouring a coalition with Groen, aligning with their shared progressive vision for the city.
When Ghent mayor Mathias Declercq, who leads the Voor Gent coalition, announced last week that he would stop holding coalition meetings with Groen and go ahead with N-VA, many Vooruit members voiced their concerns. Others, including former mayors Frank Beke and Daniël Termont, refrained from publicly supporting the deal, underscoring the depth of dissent.
As a result of the vote, Groen, previously sidelined, could now take a leading role in upcoming negotiations. However, with the liberals overwhelmingly backing the coalition with N-VA, tough talks lie ahead.
#FlandersNewsService | Vooruit members leave De Centrale after the voting at the local party congress on the participation in the new city council with Flemish nationalist party N-VA © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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