Government formation: King Philippe reappoints Bart De Wever as formateur

King Philippe has on Monday reappointed N-VA leader Bart De Wever as formateur to form a new federal government with N-VA, Vooruit, CD&V, MR and Les Engagés. That announced the Palace after Maxime Prévot reported to the King on his mission as mediator. De Wever is scheduled to make another appearance at the Palace for a state of affairs on 23 September.

“Based on the mediator's findings, the King has appointed Mr Bart De Wever as formateur for a swift continuation of negotiations between the five possible partners for a future coalition,” stated the Place, as reported by Flemish public broadcaster VRT. “Mr De Wever has accepted this assignment after a telephone call with the King and will report back on 23 September.”

Maxime Prévot expressed “delight at the success of his mission.” According to him, N-VA, Vooruit, MR, CD&V and Les Engagés are still convinced that they can form a government. “Each of the parties confirms its determination to implement major reforms with structural consequences, which should put Belgium back on the track of prosperity and well-being for the people and the economy,” he stated.

De Wever is now again federal formateur after a 10-day break. “It is now up to the formateur to determine the method and timetable for the resumption of negotiations, with the aim of proposing a new overall balance through a new “super-memorandum", new budget tables and various memorandums,” Prévot concluded.

^{N-VA leader Bart De Wever and King Philippe - Filip of Belgium pictured during a meeting, 19 August 2024 in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}