David Leisterh resigns as formateur in Brussels and quits regional and national politics
Brussels MR leader David Leisterh is stepping down as the formateur in Brussels and leaving both national and regional politics. He will remain mayor of Watermael-Boitsfort. In a video message on Tuesday, he said he saw no further point in negotiations to form a government in the capital region.
Leisterh acknowledged partial responsibility for the prolonged deadlock, with Brussels still lacking a government after more than 500 days. However, he argued that the political system has become incapable of meeting the needs of the region.
“It is impossible for me to continue under the current circumstances. Doing so would betray what I stand for: sincerity, courage and responsibility,” he said.
“I've made another attempt in recent days to save the region from collapse and send a signal to Europe and investors. But now is the time to say stop.”
Leisterh also criticised the socialist party directly, saying: “Yesterday, I was asked again to return to the negotiating table, but what's the point when some of the negotiating partners have built a wall of no, right on the table? There's simply too much fear, too much calculation, too many blockades from the left. With the hope, I think, of returning to power in five years, without the liberals who won last time. To carry on as before.”
Speaking to VRT NWS, Leisterh said: “I've been working on it for 16 months, I've tried everything, but I see that the task is almost impossible. In recent days, it has been almost impossible to reconcile the visions of all the parties.”
He added that he would continue to serve his community locally, saying he “still wants to make himself useful as mayor of Watermael-Boitsfort”.
Mixed reaction
MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez expressed his disappointment in being blindsided by Leisterh's decision in an emotional post on X, saying, "You announced it without talking to me about it again, out of fear that I would change your mind. You felt you had to do this."
But as a friend, Bouchez says he is proud: "That you are not willing to bow down to a position. That you refuse the compromises that some propose. That you put your values above power."
Other reactions to Leisterh’s resignation were mixed. Open VLD leader Frédéric De Gucht praised Leisterh on X, calling him “an exceptional person” and saying: “We will miss you in Brussels, but you will be an even more valuable asset to Bosvoorde.”
In contrast, Fouad Ahidar (TFA) said the resignation was “no surprise”, describing it as “a symptom of a political standstill that is gradually becoming unworthy,” with Brussels “suffocating” under rising rents, congestion, insecurity and poverty.
“Brussels can’t be repaired by walking away,” he said, urging the remaining parties to show “a clear signal” of willingness to act.
Les Engagés group leader Gladys Kazadi expressed regret over Leisterh’s departure “without passing judgment”, while praising his “commitment and work in recent weeks”. She said her party was ready to “resume discussions from this week onwards, in a constructive and responsible spirit, with a view to reaching an agreement quickly”.
It remains unclear how the Brussels government formation will now proceed. With multiple party vetoes in place, viable alternatives are scarce, and most have already been exhausted.
David Leisterh © PHOTO BELPRESS
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