Brussels government: Open VLD rejects facilitator's proposal
Frédéric De Gucht of Flemish liberal party Open VLD has rejected the coalition plan put forward by Yvan Verougstraete, the Brussels government facilitator from Les Engagés. At a press conference, De Gucht dismissed the proposal as "something that would make the surrealist Magritte envious and cause Kafka to blush".
On Monday, Verougstraete proposed forming a majority with the French-speaking parties MR, PS and Les Engagés, as well as the Dutch-speaking parties Groen, Open VLD, Vooruit and CD&V.
In an attempt to address the exclusion of the Flemish nationalist N-VA, Verougstraete proposed that they be allowed to act as observers in the Brussels Common Community Commission (COCOM). This is the joint body responsible for bilingual competencies such as health, culture, and social services.
'Brussels deserves better'
However, De Gucht argued that Brussels “deserves better” and stressed that his party was not currently willing to enter negotiations. "We are not needed in the Brussels government. If they want us at the table, it will be on our terms. We have no intention of going in with our trousers around our ankles and walking out naked,” he said.
Verougstraete regrets Open VLD's refusal to start government negotiations based on his proposal for a seven-party majority without the N-VA.
“Open VLD is asking for substantive negotiations, but refuses to sit down at the table to negotiate the substance. Nobody understands that," he said on Tuesday in response to statements by De Gucht.
"This decision goes against the general interest and the interests of the people of Brussels"
"Six of the seven parties agree. The seventh refuses, thus risking a deadlock that could last weeks or even months. This decision goes against the general interest and the interests of the people of Brussels."
'Hope crushed'
Fouad Ahidar, the face of the Team Fouad Ahidar (TFA) party, also expressed his disappointment that, just as the Brussels coalition negotiations were about to start, Open VLD had "crushed all hope".
"This situation clearly shows the deadlock created by repeated vetoes and unrealistic demands from parties that lost the election. It is shameful and irresponsible,” he said.
He also criticised parties seeking to exclude TFA at all costs, even if it means jeopardising the future of the Brussels region. “We will tirelessly defend the voice of Brussels citizens and refuse to let paralysis become the norm," he said. "The era of political games is over. Action is needed, and fast."
"This situation clearly shows the deadlock created by repeated vetoes and unrealistic demands from parties that lost the election"
Brussels has been without a new government for 15 months following the June 2024 elections. It has become the longest and most difficult formation process in the region's history.
Talks have repeatedly stalled, largely because the French-speaking socialist party PS refuses to cooperate with the N-VA. Liberals MR have also maintained tough conditions, in line with those applied in federal and other regional talks, which has further complicated negotiations.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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