Abortion reform on hold as federal coalition negotiations continue
Abortion reform in Belgium has been put on hold as federal government negotiations between the five potential coalition parties continue.
Formateur Bart De Wever of N-VA decided on Monday to withhold parliamentary approval of proposals unless all five negotiating parties reached a consensus. The intention was to simplify the talks but it will also stall several key legislative reforms, including extending the period in which an abortion can be carried out.
The five parties - N-VA, Vooruit, CD&V, MR and Les Engagés - introduced the decision in a bid to prevent tensions from complicating their talks. The abortion question, as well as other reforms including the introduction of a points-based driving licence system and zero-tolerance for alcohol in traffic, have proved divisive in the past few weeks.
Lack of consensus
Proposals related to extending the abortion term were expected to be discussed in parliament from this week, but they will not receive immediate approval due to a lack of consensus.
N-VA and CD&V are firmly against the proposals, while Vooruit is in favour. MR and Les Engagés, which allow members to vote freely on ethical issues, have yet to take a definitive stance, making their positions unpredictable. As a result, approval of any changes to the law is delayed indefinitely.
Opposition parties, including PS and PVDA, have reacted angrily to the agreement between the five parties. PS criticised the move, claiming that the parliamentary process is already “blocked” despite no new government being formed. PVDA and DéFI said some parties were abandoning their campaign promises.
De Wever’s appointment as formateur was extended by King Philippe on Monday. Though discussions are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks, especially after the local elections on 13 October, the current impasse will continue for some time.
King Philippe reappoints N-VA leader Bart De Wever as federal formateur © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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