Government formation: King extends De Wever's mandate as federal formateur
As expected, King Philippe has asked Bart De Wever to continue his work as federal formateur and “bring it to a successful conclusion as soon as possible”. De Wever will report back to the King on 10 December about talks to form a new federal government.
N-VA leader De Wever arrived at the royal palace in Brussels at 12.30 to give an update on the formation of a new federal government. As there has been progress in negotiations between the parties N-VA, MR, Les Engagés, Vooruit and CD&V, the extension of his mandate was expected.
The formula with these five parties seemed on the brink of collapse this month because the Flemish socialists of Vooruit deemed De Wever’s socio-economic “super memo” - the policy document that forms the basis for the talks - too right-wing.
"For now it does not seem to be the intention to really push through"
De Wever briefly examined an alternative coalition with Flemish liberal party Open VLD, but that was complicated since Open VLD suffered a heavy defeat in the elections and this coalition would only give the government a razor-thin majority. In the end, Vooruit returned to the table after a new super memo was presented.
Since the beginning of last week, N-VA, MR, Les Engagés, Vooruit and CD&V have been sitting together at the federal negotiating table almost every day. According to De Morgen, they have discussed the issues of energy, healthcare and the economy. On Monday, the negotiators' agenda includes justice.
Crucial day
Wednesday will be a crucial day. This is when the socio-economic policy themes will be put back on the table, with sensitive topics including the labour market, pensions and taxes. Negotiations have already stumbled twice because of these issues and a third stumble would probably be fatal for the current formula. Open VLD may then again be invited to join the talks. The francophone liberals of MR in particular favour a traditional centre-right government.
Sources told De Morgen that De Wever will not try to force a breakthrough on Wednesday. “On Thursday, the topic of defence is scheduled. So for now it does not seem to be the intention to really push through,” they said. Vooruit has long been demanding a greater effort from “the strongest shoulders”. The francophone liberals want the tax burden down.
The negotiating parties are increasingly looking towards Christmas as the deadline for the new federal government. As such, 10 December - when De Wever is expected back at the palace - seems more like a stopover than a finish line.
N-VA leader and federal formateur Bart De Wever leaves a meeting at the Royal Palace in Brussels, 25 November 2024 © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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