Party congresses give green light for federal government agreement

Following the agreement to form Belgium’s new federal government, party congresses were held this weekend to secure support from party members. The process saw successful approvals across the board.

Flemish nationalist party N-VA gathered in Antwerp, where members overwhelmingly backed the coalition deal. The broad support was met with applause, and the congress ended with the singing of the Flemish anthem, De Vlaamse Leeuw. The party leadership emphasised that the agreement secures key priorities for Flanders while navigating Belgium’s federal structure.

Socialist party Vooruit also gave the green light at its congress in Sint-Niklaas on Saturday. With 88 per cent of members present voting in favour, and 85 per cent backing the agreement online, the leadership received a strong mandate. Party chairman Conner Rousseau highlighted gains in social policy (including a higher minimum wage and increased meal vouchers) but also acknowledged that the party had to make compromises on issues such as unemployment benefits.

CD&V held its congress on Sunday evening, where members unanimously approved the coalition agreement after a three-hour discussion. Party leader Sammy Mahdi expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, acknowledging that the seven months of negotiations had culminated in a centre-right agreement that reflects the party’s vision. 

Francophone parties

Liberal party MR saw near-unanimous approval at its Brussels congress. Party leader Georges-Louis Bouchez called the agreement “historic”. He cited reforms in unemployment benefits, migration policy, and tax cuts for workers. 

Les Engagés also confirmed their participation in the new federal government at their congress in Liège. The centrist party, marking the end of a decade of federal opposition, approved the agreement with nearly unanimous support, minus three abstentions. Party chairman Maxime Prévot, who received a standing ovation from around 750 attendees, emphasised the party’s priorities, including health, climate, security, and fiscal discipline.

With party approvals now secured, the new government under N-VA leader Bart De Wever is set to take office in the coming days.

^{MR chairman Georges-Louis Bouchez holds a party congress on the federal government agreement © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}